What does cancellous bone appear as on the radiographic image?

Cancellous bone, also known as trabecular or spongy bone, appears as a lighter, more radiolucent area on a radiographic image compared to the denser cortical bone. It typically presents a network of trabecular patterns or struts, which can vary in density and arrangement depending on the location and health of the bone. The overall appearance can be somewhat porous, reflecting its softer structure, and is often seen in areas such as the vertebrae, pelvis, and the ends of long bones.