Bone marrow

Definition

Bone marrow is a spongy tissue located within the cavities of bones, primarily responsible for the production of blood cells. It plays a critical role in the skeletal system by providing a site for hematopoiesis, the process through which red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are produced. In addition to its blood-forming function, bone marrow also contains adipose tissue and stromal cells that support hematopoiesis and contribute to the overall health of the skeletal system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bone marrow is classified into two types: red marrow and yellow marrow. Red marrow is involved in blood cell production, while yellow marrow primarily stores fat.
2. In adults, red marrow is mainly found in flat bones such as the pelvis, sternum, and ribs, while yellow marrow is predominantly located in the long bones.
3. Bone marrow contains hematopoietic stem cells, which are essential for generating all types of blood cells throughout a person's life.
4. The microenvironment of bone marrow is critical for the regulation of stem cell behavior and differentiation into specific blood cell types.
5. Bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia or aplastic anemia, can severely impact blood cell production and overall health.

Review Questions

• How does bone marrow contribute to the overall function of the skeletal system?
  • Bone marrow contributes to the skeletal system by providing a crucial site for hematopoiesis, which is essential for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This blood cell production is vital for maintaining healthy bodily functions like oxygen transport, immune response, and blood clotting. Additionally, bone marrow supports the structural integrity of bones by filling their cavities and providing a microenvironment that regulates stem cell activity and differentiation.
• Discuss the differences between red marrow and yellow marrow in terms of location and function within the skeletal system.
  • Red marrow is primarily responsible for producing blood cells and is mainly found in flat bones like the pelvis, sternum, and ribs. In contrast, yellow marrow serves as a fat storage site and is predominantly located in the cavities of long bones. While red marrow plays a direct role in hematopoiesis, yellow marrow can convert back to red marrow under certain conditions, such as severe blood loss or increased demand for blood cell production.
• Evaluate how disorders of bone marrow can impact overall health and physiological functions in an individual.
  • Disorders of bone marrow, such as leukemia or aplastic anemia, can have profound effects on an individual's health by disrupting normal blood cell production. These conditions can lead to severe anemia due to inadequate red blood cell production, increasing susceptibility to infections from insufficient white blood cells, or excessive bleeding due to a lack of platelets. The resulting imbalances can significantly impair physiological functions like oxygen transport, immune response, and wound healing, highlighting the critical role bone marrow plays in maintaining overall health.

Related terms

Hematopoiesis: The process of forming new blood cells from stem cells in the bone marrow.

Red Blood Cells: Cells produced in the bone marrow that carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and return carbon dioxide for exhalation.

Stromal Cells: Supportive cells found in the bone marrow that provide structural support and regulate hematopoiesis.