What term describes the ability of a bone to resist bending or breaking?

The term that describes the ability of a bone to resist bending or breaking is strength. Strength in the context of bone refers to its capacity to withstand forces without deforming or fracturing. Bones are designed to support weight and absorb impact while maintaining their integrity, which is crucial for overall skeletal function.

In the context of bone properties, elasticity refers to the ability to return to its original shape after deformation, while porosity relates to the spaces within the bone structure that can affect its overall weight and strength. Density, on the other hand, pertains to the mass of the bone material per unit volume; while related to strength, it does not directly describe the ability to resist bending or breaking as strength does. Thus, strength is the correct term for this characteristic of bone.