What bone type reduces the weight of skeleton and load on muscles?

The bone type that reduces the weight of the skeleton and the load on muscles is called the cancellous bone. Cancellous bone, also known as spongy bone, is one of the two main types of bone tissue found in the human body, along with cortical bone (also known as compact bone). Cancellous bone is primarily composed of a network of thin, rod-like trabeculae that form a honeycomb-like structure, creating a lightweight yet strong framework.

Here are some characteristics of cancellous bone:

Porosity: Cancellous bone has a high degree of porosity, meaning it contains numerous small spaces or pores within its structure. This porosity makes cancellous bone lighter in weight compared to cortical bone.

Shock absorption: The trabecular network of cancellous bone acts as a shock absorber, helping to dissipate and distribute mechanical forces experienced by the skeleton. This ability to absorb and dampen impact energy protects the bones and joints from excessive stress.

Weight reduction: By being less dense and having a more porous structure, cancellous bone aids in reducing the overall weight of the skeleton. This weight reduction is particularly important in long bones, where minimizing weight while maintaining structural integrity is crucial for efficient movement.

Red marrow: Unlike cortical bone, the interior of cancellous bone contains red bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of blood cells.