Marrow

Marrow is a type of tissue found within the hollow interior of bones. It is a key component of the lymphatic system, producing the lymphocytes that support the body's immune response. There are two types of marrow: red and yellow. Red marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, while yellow marrow is primarily made up of fat cells.

Types of Marrow

Red Marrow

Red marrow, also known as myeloid tissue, is found in the flat bones such as the hip bone, breast bone, skull, ribs, vertebrae and shoulder blades, and in the cancellous material at the proximal ends of the long bones femur and humerus. It is responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Yellow Marrow

Yellow marrow is found in the medullary cavity, the hollow interior of the middle portion of long bones. In cases of severe blood loss, the body can convert yellow marrow back to red marrow to increase blood cell production.

Marrow Transplant

Marrow transplant is a medical procedure that replaces a person's diseased or damaged marrow with healthy marrow from a donor. This can be used to treat or cure a variety of diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia.

See Also

• Bone
• Lymphatic system
• Red blood cell
• White blood cell
• Platelet
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Sickle cell anemia