Bone marrow

Bone marrow is soft tissue in the cavities of bones that produces blood cells and stores fat. Its red and yellow forms differ in their dominant functions and cell composition.

Hematopoiesis: The process by which blood cells develop from stem and progenitor cells. Marrow is the principal site of blood-cell production after birth.
Bone: A mineralized connective tissue that forms the skeleton and protects organs. Marrow occupies internal spaces within bones rather than forming the hard outer tissue.
Bone marrow transplantation: A procedure that restores blood formation using blood-forming stem cells from a donor or the patient. Transplanted stem cells can repopulate marrow after disease or intensive treatment.
Bone marrow edema: An imaging finding of excess fluid signal within bone marrow. It shows that marrow changes can accompany injury, inflammation, or disease.
Bone marrow aspirate: A liquid sample of marrow cells and fluid withdrawn by needle. The sample is material taken from marrow, not the tissue itself.
Hematopoietic stem cell: A self-renewing cell that can generate the diverse lineages of blood cells. These rare cells sustain blood production throughout life.
Stromal cell: A supportive connective-tissue cell that helps organize and regulate a tissue environment. Marrow stromal cells help construct the niches surrounding blood-forming cells.
Bone marrow biopsy: A procedure that removes a small core of marrow for microscopic examination. A biopsy reveals marrow architecture and abnormal cell populations.
Osteoporosis: A skeletal disorder marked by reduced bone strength and increased fracture risk. Fat and blood-forming marrow interact with bone remodeling and change with age.
Peripheral blood: Blood circulating through vessels outside the organs that form or store blood cells. It contains mature circulating cells, while marrow houses many precursors.

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