Red bone marrow is a specialized type of tissue found in certain bones of the human body, responsible for the production and maturation of various blood cells. It is also known as myeloid tissue or hematopoietic tissue. Red bone marrow consists of a gelatinous matrix and a network of blood vessels, and it is mainly found in the spongy or cancellous bone located within the pelvic bones, vertebrae, sternum, ribs, and ends of long bones.
Its primary function is to generate and support the development of multiple types of blood cells, including red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets. These cells are crucial for various physiological processes, such as oxygen transport, fighting infections, and clotting. During hematopoiesis, the process by which new blood cells are formed, undifferentiated stem cells in the red bone marrow differentiate into the specific types of blood cells needed by the body.
Red bone marrow's highly active nature involves a continuous turnover of cells, with millions of new blood cells being generated every minute. As individuals age, the amount of red bone marrow decreases, and yellow bone marrow (which primarily consists of fat) takes its place. However, red bone marrow can still be found in limited quantities in some bones, even in adulthood.
Medical conditions affecting red bone marrow, such as aplastic anemia or various types of leukemia, can lead to abnormalities in blood cell production. Additionally, certain diseases or treatments may require a bone marrow transplant, either autologous (using the patient's own cells) or allogeneic (from a donor), to restore normal hematopoiesis.
