What is the job of red marrow?
Red marrow is found in the flat bones of the skull, chest, pelvis, and vertebrae, as well as the long bones of the arms and legs. It is made up of a network of blood vessels and cells that support the production of blood cells.
The process of blood cell production, called hematopoiesis, occurs in the red marrow. Hematopoiesis is a complex process that begins with a stem cell.
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can develop into any type of cell in the body. In the red marrow, stem cells differentiate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. White blood cells fight infection. Platelets help the blood to clot.
The red marrow is essential for life. Without it, the body would not be able to produce the blood cells it needs to function properly.
Here are some additional facts about red marrow:
* Red marrow is only found in humans and other mammals.
* The amount of red marrow in the body decreases with age.
* Red marrow can be damaged by chemotherapy, radiation, and certain diseases.
* Damage to the red marrow can lead to anemia, a condition in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells.
* Red marrow transplants are used to treat some types of cancer and blood disorders.