Definition
noun, plural: trabeculae
(general)
A small supporting structure in the form of a beam, strut or rod.
(anatomy)
(1) A small mineralized spicule that forms a network in spongy bone.
(2) A fibrous strand of connective tissue that supports it in place.
Supplement
On histological section, a trabecula can look like a septum, but in three dimensions they are topologically distinct, with trabeculae being roughly rod or pillar-shaped and septa being sheet-like.
Trabeculae are often composed of fibrous tissue, mainly of collagen. They may also be composed of other materials, such as bone or muscle. They may form in various organ, such as the heart, spleen, bone and penis.
Word origin: from Latin trabēcula, diminutive of trabs, trab-, beam.
Related forms: trabeculation (noun), trabecular (adjective), trabeculate (adjective).
See also: trabecular bone, trabecular reticulum.
Dictionary > Trabecula
You will also like...
![Biological Cell schematic diagram](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Biological-Cell-Introduction-223x168.jpg)
Biological Cell Introduction
It only takes one biological cell to create an organism. A single cell is able to keep itself functional through its 'mi..
![Physical growth](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Physical-Development-in-Humans-239x168.jpg)
Physical Development in Humans
This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutori..
![Pink Lotus plant on a pond](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Freshwater-Lentic-Communities-Animals-252x168.jpg)
Freshwater Lentic Communities & Animals
This tutorial looks at some of the communities in freshwater lentic habitats. For instance, symbiosis occurs in a commun..
![Balanced Diet](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/A-Balanced-Diet-Minerals-and-Proteins-252x168.jpg)
A Balanced Diet – Minerals and Proteins
Proteins and minerals can be derived from various dietary sources. They are essential for the proper growth and developm..
![Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Sigmund-Freud-and-Carl-Gustav-Jung-295x168.jpg)
Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung
In this tutorial, the works of Carl Gustav Jung and Sigmund Freud are described. Both of them actively pursued the way h..
![Disturbance on a still water](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Abiotic-Factors-Water-Conditions-254x168.jpg)
Abiotic Factors – Water Conditions
A still body of water may be disturbed by a variety of factors. One of them is wind. In fact, it is considered as the pr..