From the Research
Hematopoietic marrow is the specialized tissue responsible for blood cell production, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and is primarily located in the flat bones and proximal ends of long bones in adults. The hematopoietic marrow contains stem cells that can differentiate into various blood cell types depending on the body's needs, and these stem cells respond to specific growth factors and hormones like erythropoietin for red blood cell production 1. Some key points about hematopoietic marrow include:
- It produces all cellular blood components
- In adults, it is primarily located in the flat bones such as the pelvis, sternum, ribs, vertebrae, and skull, as well as in the proximal ends of long bones like the femur and humerus
- During childhood, most bones contain red marrow, but as we age, much of it converts to yellow (fatty) marrow
- Disorders affecting hematopoietic marrow include leukemia, aplastic anemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes, which can disrupt normal blood cell production 2, 3
- Bone marrow transplants may be used to replace damaged hematopoietic tissue in certain conditions, allowing for restoration of normal blood cell production 4, 5 The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2024, which discusses the history and recent developments in diagnosis and treatment of aplastic anemia, a condition that affects hematopoietic marrow 2. Overall, hematopoietic marrow plays a critical role in the production of blood cells and is essential for maintaining the health of the body.