The difference between red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow

Bone marrow is an important substance in the human body and has a significant impact on human health. There are two main forms of bone marrow: red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow. There are certain differences in the shapes of these two types of bone marrow. In addition, there are certain differences in their functions. So, what is the difference between red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow? The following will introduce you to the relevant knowledge.

1. What is bone marrow

The hematopoietic tissue in the human body is located in the medullary cavity of long bones and all cancellous bones. There are two types of bone marrow in adults: red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow. Red bone marrow can produce red blood cells, platelets and various white blood cells. Platelets have a hemostatic effect, white blood cells can kill and inhibit various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, etc.; certain lymphocytes can produce antibodies. Therefore, bone marrow is not only hematopoietic tissue, it is also an important immune tissue.

2. What is yellow bone marrow

Bone marrow is a spongy tissue that exists in the medullary cavity of long bones (long bones are mainly found in the limbs and are in the shape of long tubes. It can be divided into one body and two ends. The body is also called the backbone. The outer periphery is densely boned, and the center is the medullary cavity that holds the bone marrow. The two ends are relatively enlarged, called epiphysis. The surface of the epiphysis is attached with articular cartilage to form an articular surface, which forms a flexible joint with the articular surface of the adjacent bone to complete a larger range of movement. Such as the humerus and femur) and the cancellous bone mesh of flat bones (such as the ilium, ribs, sternum, spine, etc.). The bone marrow that can produce blood cells is slightly red and is called red bone marrow. The bone marrow in some bone marrow cavities of adults contains many fat cells, is yellow in color, and cannot produce blood cells. This is called yellow bone marrow.

What is red bone marrow?

When a person is born, red bone marrow fills the bone marrow cavities throughout the body. As age increases, the number of fat cells increases, and a considerable portion of the red bone marrow is replaced by yellow bone marrow. Finally, almost only the bone marrow cavities of flat bones contain red bone marrow. This change may be because adults do not need all of the bone marrow cavity hematopoiesis, and partial bone marrow cavity hematopoiesis is sufficient to replenish the required blood cells. The red bone marrow of adults is mainly distributed in the cancellous bones of flat bones, irregular bones and the epiphyseal ends of long bones, and has active hematopoietic function. When the body is severely ischemic, part of the yellow bone marrow can be replaced by red bone marrow, and the hematopoietic capacity of the bone marrow is significantly improved.