Definition |
The tissue which produces the blood cells. It is found within the hollow cavities of many of the bones of the body. Bone marrow is a a spongy tissue that is the site of blood cell formation. By puberty, the marrow in the spine, ribs, breastbone, hip, shoulders, and skull is most active in blood cell formation. In the adult, the bones of the hands, feet, legs and arms do not contain marrow in which blood cells are made. In these sites the marrow is filled with fat cells. When marrow cells have matured into blood cells they enter the blood that passes through the marrow and are carried throughout the body. Examination of the bone marrow is an important part of the diagnosis of leukaemia and the monitoring of treatment.
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