Bone marrow: where is it located? What are its functions and composition?

Bone marrow or bone marrow is the inner tissue in the bones, and it is considered one of the most important components of the skeletal system, and because it is of great importance in the body, so follow this article with us. We will take you on a tour about everything related to bone marrow or bone marrow, so follow us.

What is bone marrow?

Bone marrow is a tissue that constitutes about 4% of the human body weight, this marrow contains human stem cells, and it also has a major role in the production of blood cells and new bone tissue, and for this reason anyone needs healthy and healthy marrow in order to live healthy, and it is one of The most prominent parts of the lymphatic system within the body.

For this reason, we find that some people with some serious diseases, such as blood cancer problems, such as lymphoma, depend on bone marrow transplantation for treatment in order to survive, and this may indeed be the best and only option for these cases.

The shape and composition of the bone marrow

It is a soft, soft, spongy, gelatinous tissue that is found and fills the inside of the bone spaces. This marrow is of two types:

  • Red bone marrow or red bone marrowAlso known as myeloid tissue, it is considered a fibrous tissue that contains cells that form blood. This type of marrow produces red and white blood cells and platelets.
  • Yellow bone marrow or yellow bone marrowThis type is a fat cell and stores fat for red bone marrow and maintaining body functions.

Where is the bone marrow located?

This marrow is found in most of the bones of the body, especially the axial bones. These bones are:

  • rib bones
  • breastbone
  • wishbone.
  • spine bone.
  • Shoulder blade bones.
  • skull bones.
  • Pelvic bones.
  • Part of the femurs and humerus.

bone marrow function

Bone marrow plays an important role in the human body, and its most important functions for the body are:

1. Production of blood cells

In the red bone marrow, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are produced and formed, while in the yellow marrow, fat, bone, and cartilage are produced.

2. Replace the cells

The marrow inside the bones replaces some cells continuously, including white and red blood cells and platelets, because white blood cells live from a few hours to a few days, while platelets live for up to 10 days, and for red blood cells they live almost for up to for 120 days. That is why the marrow replaces these cells, because each cell of them has a certain average life and ends.

3. Additional production of blood cells

There are some cases that require additional production of blood cells, as a result of a lack and low level of oxygen in the body and its tissues, or in the event of anemia or blood loss, and in the event of a decrease in the number of red blood cells. In this case, the body sends its signals through the kidneys, where it releases erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.

4. Addressing some health problems

Whereas, in the event of an infection, the bone marrow releases more white blood cells, and in the case of bleeding, the marrow produces more platelets, but in the event of a person losing a lot of blood, in this case, the activity of the yellow bone marrow increases and turns into a red bone marrow.

In addition, bone marrow is very necessary and important for a wide range of activities and different systems in the human body, such as:

  • body circulation, This device transfers red blood cells and oxygen to parts of the body, including cells and tissues, transfers white blood cells to the sites of any injury, and transfers platelets to help blood clot after injury.
  • hemoglobin, One of the most famous proteins in red blood cells is hemoglobin, which is responsible for giving them their colour. It also collects oxygen in the lungs and transfers it to red blood cells, and releases oxygen into the body and its tissues, in addition to its role in removing carbon dioxide and sending it to the lungs for the exhalation process.
  • Iron, This element is very important because it combines protein to produce hemoglobin, to complete the red blood cell production process. The body stores iron in the bone marrow and also in the liver and spleen, and the body recycles old red blood cells to obtain iron levels for making hemoglobin.

The most common bone marrow disease

There are some conditions that directly affect the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. Also, some cases are an indication of a problem in these cells, including:

  • Fever, as a result of a lack of healthy white blood cells.
  • Feeling of weakness and general fatigue, due to a lack of hemoglobin in the blood.
  • Infections, due to a low number of healthy white blood cells.
  • Shortness of breath. Due to a decrease in the number of red blood cells.
  • Bleeding bruising, due to low platelet count.

In addition to problems with the bone marrow itself, which may affect it directly, such as:

How to maintain bone marrow health

It is necessary to maintain the health of the marrow and the health of the bones as a whole, in order for your body to be able to produce the cells needed for it, Some of the most popular tips to help you do that are:

  1. Eat foods rich in iron, protein and B vitamins.
  2. Adjusting iron levels in the body.
  3. Among the most popular foods that maintain the health of marrow are tuna, sardines, spinach, broccoli and lentils.
  4. In addition to some other advice shared between the marrow and the skeleton.

Leave a Reply