What is in bone marrow?

Bone marrow is a complex, spongy tissue located within the cavities of bones, and it serves several critical functions in the body. Here are its key components and functions:

Types of Bone Marrow

There are two main types of bone marrow:

• Red Bone Marrow: This type is primarily responsible for the production of blood cells. It contains hematopoietic stem cells that mature into three main types of blood cells:

  • Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Transport oxygen throughout the body453.
  • White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Play a crucial role in the immune system by fighting infections453.
  • Platelets (Thrombocytes): Essential for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding453.

• Yellow Bone Marrow: This type is composed mainly of fat cells (adipocytes) and is involved in the storage of fats. It also contains mesenchymal stem cells (marrow stromal cells) that can differentiate into various cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes453.

Cellular Components

Bone marrow includes several types of cells and tissues:

• Hematopoietic Stem Cells: These cells are the precursors to all blood cells and are found in red bone marrow245.
• Stromal Cells: These include fibroblasts, macrophages, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and endothelial cells, which provide a supportive microenvironment for hematopoiesis2.
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Found in yellow bone marrow, these cells can differentiate into various tissue cells such as bone, cartilage, and fat cells24.

Other Components

• Fat Cells (Adipocytes): Present in yellow bone marrow, these cells store energy in the form of fat245.
• Blood Vessels: The bone marrow contains sinusoids and other blood vessels that facilitate the circulation of mature blood cells into the bloodstream2.

Nutritional and Health-Related Compounds

When consumed, animal bone marrow (such as from cows, lambs, and moose) is rich in:

• Calories and Fat: High in calories and fat, with a significant amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)1.
• Protein and Vitamins: Contains small amounts of protein, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and other B vitamins like pantothenic acid, thiamine, and biotin1.
• Collagen: Rich in collagen, which is beneficial for skin health and joint function1.
• Glycine, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin: These compounds are linked to decreased inflammation, better skin health, and improved joint function1.

In summary, bone marrow is a vital tissue that produces blood cells, stores fat, and contains various stem cells and supportive tissues essential for overall health.