trabecularity

Trabecularity refers to the presence of trabeculae, which are small beams or bars of tissue that form a lattice-like structure. This arrangement is found in various biological contexts, most notably in bone and the eye.

In bone, trabecularity describes the spongy or cancellous structure of bone tissue. Instead of being solid, bone is organized into a network of interconnected trabeculae, creating spaces that are typically filled with bone marrow. This structure provides strength while also reducing the overall weight of the bone. The orientation and density of these trabeculae are adapted to withstand specific mechanical stresses, a principle known as Wolff's Law. Changes in trabecular bone density are a key indicator of bone health, with conditions like osteoporosis characterized by a significant loss of trabecular bone mass.

Within the eye, trabecularity is a term used to describe the trabecular meshwork. This is a ring of tissue located at the angle of the anterior chamber, where the iris meets the cornea. The trabecular meshwork plays a crucial role in draining aqueous humor from the eye, thereby maintaining intraocular pressure. Blockage or dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork can lead to elevated intraocular pressure and is a primary cause of glaucoma. The examination of the trabecular meshwork is a standard part of ophthalmic assessment.