Multiple Choice
Which material inside bones is responsible for making blood cells?
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6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue
Gross Anatomy of Bone: Bone Marrow
Problem 2
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
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the term 'hematopoiesis': Hematopoiesis refers to the process of blood cell formation, which primarily occurs in specific areas of the bone marrow.
Review the anatomy of bone marrow: Bone marrow is categorized into red marrow (active in hematopoiesis) and yellow marrow (primarily fat storage). Red marrow is found in spongy bone and specific regions of long bones.
Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each site mentioned in the question to determine whether it is actively involved in hematopoiesis during different stages of life (infants vs. adults).
Consider the role of medullary cavities: In infants, medullary cavities contain red marrow and are active in hematopoiesis. However, in healthy adults, medullary cavities typically contain yellow marrow and are not sites of hematopoiesis.
Conclude based on the information: Identify the site that does not participate in hematopoiesis in the context of a healthy adult, as this is the key distinction in the question.
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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, which occurs primarily in the bone marrow. In adults, this process mainly takes place in the red marrow of certain bones, while in infants, it can occur in the medullary cavities of various bones. Understanding where hematopoiesis occurs is crucial for identifying the correct answer to the question.
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Bone Marrow Types
Bone marrow is classified into two types: red marrow, which is involved in hematopoiesis, and yellow marrow, which primarily stores fat. In adults, red marrow is found in specific locations such as the pelvis, ribs, and the ends of long bones, while yellow marrow predominates in the medullary cavities of long bones. This distinction is important for determining the sites of hematopoiesis mentioned in the question.
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Age-Related Changes in Hematopoiesis
The sites of hematopoiesis change with age. In infants, hematopoiesis occurs in the medullary cavities of many bones, but as individuals mature, this function is largely restricted to red marrow in specific bones. Recognizing these age-related changes helps in understanding which options in the question are valid sites of hematopoiesis in adults versus infants.
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