Here's how it works:
* Bone Marrow: This soft, spongy tissue is found inside the hollow spaces of most bones, particularly in the ribs, sternum (breastbone), hipbones, and vertebrae. There are two types of bone marrow:
* Red Bone Marrow: Responsible for producing blood cells. It contains stem cells that differentiate into red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).
* Yellow Bone Marrow: Stores fat and can be converted back to red bone marrow if needed to increase blood cell production.
* Hematopoiesis: This is the process of blood cell production. It occurs within the red bone marrow.
* Stem cells in the bone marrow divide and differentiate into various types of blood cells.
* Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
* White blood cells fight infection and disease.
* Platelets help with blood clotting.
So, the skeleton provides the housing for the bone marrow, which is the true site of blood cell production.
