Final answer:
Statements B) It provides resistance to stresses from many different directions, C) It decreases the weight of long bones, and D) It makes the bones slightly flexible, are true about spongy bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student inquired which statements about spongy bone are true. Based on the provided information, we can conclude the following answers:
- B) It provides resistance to stresses from many different directions. This is because spongy bone is found in areas like the epiphyses of bones that are subject to stress from multiple directions, and it is designed to support shifts in weight distribution.
- C) It decreases the weight of long bones. Spongy bone contains an irregular network of spaces which makes it much less dense than compact bone, therefore reducing the overall weight of the bones.
- D) It makes the bones slightly flexible. Due to its porous structure and the presence of open spaces, spongy bone can compress under stress, contributing to bone flexibility.
Statement A) is incorrect because spongy bone reduces the density of long bones, not increases it, as compact bone is responsible for the denseness of bones.