"The structure of the trabecular, or spongy bone that forms in the interior of bones we studied is unique within dinosaurs," said Tony Fiorillo, SMU paleontologist and one of the study authors.

“The structure of the trabecular, or spongy bone that forms in the interior of (the) bones we studied is unique within dinosaurs,” said Anthony Fiorillo, a Southern Methodist University ...

The outer layer of bone, known as condensed bone, is hard and dense to provide the structure and protection the body needs. However, bones’ inner layer, known as spongy bone, is softer and porous – ...

They consist of two outer layers of compact bone and an inner layer of spongy bone. The bones of the skull, breastbone, ribs, and shoulder blades are flat bones. They tend to have a protective role.

Like the other three types of bones, long bones are composed of a combination of compact bone and spongy bone. While compact bone is harder, heavier, and denser (providing the bulk of the bone's ...

"The structure of the trabecular, or spongy bone that forms in the interior of bones we studied is unique within dinosaurs," said Tony Fiorillo, SMU paleontologist and one of the study authors.

Lastly, plate-like bones with a "spongy" structure at different points in the skull helped distribute the incoming force, thereby protecting the brain.

“The structure of the trabecular, or spongy bone that forms in the interior of (the) bones we studied is unique within dinosaurs,” said Anthony Fiorillo, a Southern Methodist University ...