Difference Between Red and Yellow Bone Marrow

Red vs Yellow Bone Marrow

Blood is a very important component of the human body. It is very essential for man’s survival because it has many functions. One of its most important roles in the proper functioning of the human body is supplying the body with oxygen and nutrients. It also helps in the removal from the body of wastes such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid.

It helps the body heal itself through coagulation, body pH, temperature regulation, transportation of hormones, and the transmission of signals if there is tissue damage. It also has immunological functions through its white blood cells and antibodies.

Blood is made in the bone marrow through the process of hematopoiesis. Bone marrow is a flexible tissue that can be found inside the hollow of the bone. Aside from its function as a producer of blood cells, it is also a vital part of the lymphatic system.

There are two types of bone marrow; red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow. At birth, a man’s bone marrow is all red. As he ages, more of the red bone marrow is converted to yellow. Red bone marrow can be found in flat bones such as the hip bone, breast bone, skull, ribs, and shoulder blades. It is the main bone marrow of the body, producing all the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that the body is using. It will continue to function until old age providing the body with hemoglobin which transports oxygen throughout the body.

Yellow bone marrow, on the other hand, can be found in the hollow interior of long bones such as the legs and arms. It is made up of fat cells that have an important function in the body. It serves as the body’s natural energy and blood reserve. If the body is subjected to extreme hunger, the yellow bone marrow will provide it with the energy it needs in order to survive. In case of extreme blood loss, the yellow bone marrow can convert itself into red bone marrow.
The conversion will take one to two hours, and the body will have red bone marrow to sustain itself. The yellow bone marrow works in emergencies in order to help the body survive blood loss.

Summary:

1.Red bone marrow is the bone marrow that produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets while the yellow bone marrow produces fat cells.
2.Red bone marrow helps the body in its everyday functions while the yellow bone marrow helps the body survive extreme cases of hunger and blood loss.
3.Red bone marrow can be found in flat bones such as the hip bone, the skull, and the ribs while yellow bone marrow can be found inside the hollow of long bones like the bones of the arms and the legs.
4.While man’s bone marrow is all red at birth, about half of it is converted to yellow as he ages to act as reserve in case of emergencies.

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