What is compact bone?

Compact bone, also known as cortical bone, is one of two types of bone tissue. It forms the hard, strong, rigid outer layer of all bones throughout the human body. Dense and compact in nature, compact bone is able to support weight, sustain mechanical stress, and resist bending or breaking. Compact bone is heavy and makes up about 80% of the total weight of bones in the human body. 

Running through the interior of the compact bone are the central canal and canaliculi. These tube-like structures provide nerve fibers and blood vessels with a passageway through the compact bone.