trabecula
(noun)
 a small mineralized spicule that forms a network in spongy bone
Examples of trabecula in the following topics:
- 
Embryonic and Fetal Bone Formation- The first step in the process is the formation of bone spicules (aggregates of bony matrix) that eventually fuse with each other and become trabeculae.
- The periosteum is formed and bone growth continues at the surface of trabeculae.
- Much like spicules, the increasing growth of trabeculae result in interconnection, and this network is called woven bone.
- As growth continues, trabeculae become interconnected and woven bone is formed.
 
- 
Bone- Instead, it consists of trabeculae, which are lamellae that are arranged as rods or plates .
- Trabeculae in spongy bone are arranged such that one side of the bone bears tension and the other withstands compression.
 
- 
Stages of Bone Development
- 
Exercise and Bone Tissue- The internal architecture of the trabeculae undergoes adaptive changes, followed by secondary changes to the external cortical portion of the bone, perhaps becoming thicker as a result.
 
- 
Development of the Skeleton- Osteoblasts, differentiated from the osteoprogenitor cells that entered the cavity via the periosteal bud, use the calcified matrix as a scaffold and begin to secrete osteoid, which forms the bone trabecula.
 
- 
Connective Tissues: Bone, Adipose, and Blood- Spongy bone is made of tiny plates called trabeculae, which serve as struts, giving the spongy bone strength.
- Spongy bone, inside the compact bone, is porous with web-like trabeculae.
 
- 
Growth of Bone- Arteries from the metaphysis branch through the newly-formed trabeculae in this zone.
 
- 
Meninges- In the region of the brain, particularly, a large number of fine filaments called arachnoid trabeculae pass from the arachnoid through the subarachnoid space to blend with the tissue of the pia mater.
 
- 
Body Cavity Membranes- In the region of the brain, particularly, a large number of fine filaments called arachnoid trabeculae pass from the arachnoid through the subarachnoid space to blend with the tissue of the pia mater.