Bone Marrow: What it is & Why it is Important
An important organ, bone marrow, directly affects overall health by helping the body balance the number of blood cells and immune responses. When it fails to function, life-threatening diseases such as anemia, immune deficiency, and even cancers such as leukemia may crop up.
In this article, we’ll look into bone marrow in more detail, explaining its anatomy and function and why it’s an essential part of a healthy body.
What is Bone Marrow?
Bone marrow is a sponge-like tissue in the hollow interiors of bones, especially larger ones: the pelvis, femur, sternum, and ribs. It is the heart of the body’s blood cell production and immune support and, therefore, an essential part of the human body.
The bone marrow is a complicated combination of cells and tissues. There’s the core group of cells called hematopoietic stem cells, which also make blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Within the boundaries of these stem cells, we find the support cells – stromal cells, which consist of fibroblasts, adipocytes (fat cells), and endothelial cells. The bone marrow also has a blood vessel network that carries nutrients and newly formed blood cells into the body.
What are the Two Types of Bone Marrow?
Structurally, bone marrow exists in two forms: red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow. Each type has a unique role to play in the body’s overall function.
Red Bone Marrow
It is found mainly in the flat bones like the hip and sternum and in the spongy ends of the long bones. Rich in hematopoietic stem cells, red bone marrow is responsible for blood cell production. It is vital for sustaining life and making sure that there are enough blood cells in the body.
Yellow Bone Marrow
It is found predominantly in the central cavities of the long bones. Yellow bone marrow consists of fat cells and connective tissue and is tasked with storing energy in the form of fats. It has a backup role of amping up blood cell production during extreme blood loss.
Functions of Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is a busy organ with life-sustaining duties for the body. These are blood cell production, immune function, and fat production.
Blood Cell Production
The bone marrow is the principal place for hematopoiesis, [ref] the generation of blood cells. In red bone marrow, hematopoietic stem cells differentiate into:
- Red blood cells - Carry oxygen to the tissues and pull out carbon dioxide.
- White blood cells - Protect the body against infections.
- Platelets - Help clot blood and heal injuries.
This is a delicate process, and the body is continually in check to replace old or damaged blood cells without producing too much that can cause conditions such as clotting disorders. This flexibility in bone marrow blood cell production keeps the body running in whatever environment - normal daily life, stress, illness - it might find itself in.
Immune System Support
The immune system is built on bone marrow because it generates white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, which fight infections and make antibodies. This role contributes to an active immune system that safeguards the body from infection. [ref]
Fat Storage and Other Functions
Yellow bone marrow stores fat as fuel for metabolic needs. [ref] Besides that, bone marrow also generates mesenchymal stem cells, which can then differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat cells and repair and regenerate tissue.
Why Bone Marrow is Vital to Health?
Bone marrow is responsible for the overall health and functioning of the body by forming blood cells that are necessary for life.
Oxygen Transport
The red blood cells, manufactured in the red bone marrow, carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and carbon dioxide back for exhalation. Tissues and organs can die if they lack sufficient healthy red blood cells – leaving them weakened, fatigued, and, in severe cases, anemic.
Blood Clotting
Platelets, another critical product of bone marrow, ensure the body can form clots to prevent excessive bleeding when injuries occur. Lack of platelets (due to deficient bone marrow) results in bruising, inadequate wound repair, or even fatal internal bleeding.
Immune Defense
White blood cells produced in bone marrow are the body’s first defense against infection. They recognize, attack, and kill pathogens to keep the immune system healthy. Weak or dysfunctional white blood cell production can lead to immune deficiencies that put your body at risk of frequent and severe infections.
Conditions and Disorders of Bone Marrow
Diseases of the bone marrow can severely impair the body’s ability to generate normal blood cells, and this can result in life-threatening symptoms.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of blood vessels, such as the bone marrow. It results in the over-growth of leukocytes (white blood cells) that depopulate healthy ones. Symptoms include fatigue, infections, bruises, and mysterious weight loss. Left untreated, leukemia affects immunity, oxygen supply, and blood clotting.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is when bone marrow doesn’t make enough blood cells. It can be autoimmune, toxic, or genetic. The signs are extreme tiredness, persistent infection, and spontaneous bleeding. It is fatal if left untreated as it fails to replenish essential blood cells.
Myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis is a rare disorder in which scar tissue substitutes for bone marrow, interfering with the production of blood cells. Anemia, swelling of the spleen, and general weakness are some of the symptoms. In time, the disease progresses to extreme problems such as bone pain and increased vulnerability to infection.
Treatments for Bone Marrow Conditions
The treatment for bone marrow conditions will depend largely on the severity of the issue.
- Antibiotics - The doctor may prescribe oral drugs to support your bone marrow health.
- Bone marrow transplant - There are two types of transplant - autologous and allogeneic. In autologous transplants, the patient’s own stem cells are harvested, treated, and reintroduced. Allogeneic transplants involve harvesting stem cells from a compatible donor.
- Chemotherapy - Used in conditions like leukemia to target cancerous cells.
- Immunotherapy - Treatments that enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.
- Supportive care - Blood transfusions may be done to tackle anemia.
Conclusion
Bone marrow is a critical organ responsible for the creation of blood cells, immune system and health. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and prioritizing routine check-ups, individuals can support their bone marrow health and contribute to their overall well-being.
FAQs
Where is bone marrow located?
Bone marrow is found deep inside bones, primarily in the hip, thigh, ribs, and sternum. It fills the cavity in the bones and stores fat and stem cells.
What is bone marrow made of?
Bone marrow is made up of stem cells (necessary for producing blood cells), fat cells (store energy), stromal cells (provide structural integrity to the bone marrow), and blood vessels (deliver nutrients and carry oxygen).
Is it possible to live without bone marrow?
No, you can’t survive without functional bone marrow. This bone marrow creates blood cells that carry oxygen, fight infection, and clot blood. The body cannot afford to maintain these essential activities without it.
Can bone marrow be donated?
Patients with diseased or infected bone marrow can still live through bone marrow transplants. So yes, bone marrow can be donated. The process of bone marrow donation is harvesting hematopoietic stem cells from a patient, either by bone marrow harvest or peripheral blood stem cell collection.
Can bone marrow regenerate?
Yes, bone marrow can regenerate. Red bone marrow has the remarkable ability to replenish blood cells continuously. The body regenerates the lost marrow and stem cells even after donation within a few weeks. Similarly, yellow marrow can convert to red marrow when needed, such as during severe blood loss.
How can I keep my bone marrow healthy?
You can keep your bone marrow healthy by maintaining a nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, avoiding toxins, managing stress, and preventing infections.
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