Orthopedic & Muscular System: Current Research
Open Access

An Introduction to Bone Marrow Types and Its Role in Human Body

Yushin Nakase^{* *}Correspondence: Yushin Nakase, Department of Orthopedics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan, Email:

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Description

Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found inside bones that is responsible for producing various types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This essential organ is vital for maintaining the health and functionality of the immune system, and its dysfunction can lead to a range of serious health conditions.

Types of bone marrow

There are two main types of bone marrow: red marrow and yellow marrow. Red marrow is responsible for producing blood cells, while yellow marrow is primarily composed of fat cells and is inactive in terms of blood cell production. Red marrow is found in larger quantities in the flat bones of the body, such as the sternum, skull, pelvis, and ribs, while yellow marrow is found in the long bones, such as the femur and homers.

Bone marrow function

Bone marrow plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the body, as it produces the cells that are responsible for fighting infections and carrying oxygen throughout the body. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are produced in the bone marrow and are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are also produced in the bone marrow and play a critical role in the body's immune system, defending against infections and diseases. Platelets, small cells that help the blood to clot, are also produced in the bone marrow.

Bone marrow is responsible for constantly replenishing the body's blood cells throughout a person's life. This process is called hematopoiesis and involves the continuous production of new blood cells. Hematopoietic stem cells, or HSCs, are responsible for the regeneration of blood cells in the bone marrow. These cells can differentiate into various types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Bone marrow transplantation

Bone marrow transplantation is a medical procedure that involves

replacing a person's unhealthy bone marrow with healthy bone marrow. This procedure is often used to treat various types of blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. It may also be used to treat certain genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

During a bone marrow transplant, the patient's unhealthy bone marrow is first destroyed using high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Once the bone marrow is destroyed, healthy bone marrow is infused into the patient's bloodstream through a process called bone marrow infusion. The new bone marrow then migrates to the bone marrow cavities and begins to produce healthy blood cells.

Bone marrow diseases

There are several diseases and conditions that can affect the bone marrow and its ability to produce healthy blood cells. These conditions can be either acquired or inherited and can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common bone marrow diseases include:

Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, causing the abnormal production of white blood cells.

Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for producing and transporting white blood cells.

Multiple myeloma: A type of cancer that affects the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies.

Aplastic anemia: A condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells, resulting in a deficiency of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Thalassemia: A genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells.

Sickle cell anemia: A genetic disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin production, resulting in the production of sickleshaped red blood cells that can cause various health complications.