Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue

Gross Anatomy of Bone: Bone Marrow

Anatomy & Physiology

6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue

Gross Anatomy of Bone: Bone Marrow

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2:12 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

Blood cell formation occurs in:
(a) Yellow bone marrow
(b) Red bone marrow
(c) The matrix of bone tissue
(d) The ground substance of bones

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the process of blood cell formation, also known as hematopoiesis. This is the process by which blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) are produced.

Recall that hematopoiesis primarily occurs in specific tissues within the skeletal system. These tissues are specialized for the production of blood cells.

Differentiate between yellow bone marrow and red bone marrow. Yellow bone marrow primarily stores fat and does not play a significant role in blood cell production, while red bone marrow is actively involved in hematopoiesis.

Consider the structure of bone tissue. The matrix of bone tissue and the ground substance of bones are primarily involved in providing strength and support to the bone, not in the production of blood cells.

Conclude that the correct location for blood cell formation is red bone marrow, as it contains the stem cells necessary for the production of all types of blood cells.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hematopoiesis

Hematopoiesis is the process of blood cell formation, primarily occurring in the bone marrow. It involves the differentiation of stem cells into various types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This process is crucial for maintaining healthy blood cell levels and overall bodily function.

Red Bone Marrow

Red bone marrow is the primary site of hematopoiesis in adults. It is found in certain bones, such as the pelvis, sternum, and ribs, and is rich in hematopoietic stem cells. Unlike yellow bone marrow, which primarily stores fat, red bone marrow actively produces blood cells, making it essential for the body's immune response and oxygen transport.

Yellow Bone Marrow

Yellow bone marrow primarily consists of adipose (fat) tissue and serves as a storage site for fats. While it can convert back to red bone marrow in cases of severe blood loss or increased demand for blood cell production, it is not the main site for hematopoiesis in healthy adults. Understanding the distinction between red and yellow marrow is important for comprehending blood cell formation.

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Textbook Question

Sites of hematopoiesis include all but

a. Red marrow of spongy bone

b. The heads of femur and humerus in adults

c. Medullary cavities in bones of infants

d. Medullary cavities in bones of a healthy adult

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following could be a reason why babies have relatively more red marrow than adults?

In 1820, George Pollard and Charles Ramsdell were rescued after 93 days at sea in a small whaling boat after a sperm whale charged and sank their ship in what would become the inspiration for the novel Moby Dick. The two men were found adrift, sucking on the broken long bones of their dead shipmates. What nutrients were they receiving by sucking on the bones?

Explain the differences between red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow.

What is the primary function of red bone marrow?

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Multiple Choice