What is the Difference Between Red and Yellow Bone Marrow?

The main difference between red and yellow bone marrow lies in their functions and the types of cells they produce. Here are the key differences:

• Red Bone Marrow:
• Produces blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Contains hematopoietic stem cells, which are responsible for creating blood cells and platelets.
• Found in the long bones and flat bones of the body.
• Red bone marrow is present at the end of long bones such as shoulder blades, ribs, skull, and spine.
• Yellow Bone Marrow:
• Stores fat and consists mostly of fat cells.
• Contains mesenchymal stem cells, which produce cartilage, fat, and bone.
• Found only in the long bones of the body.
• Yellow bone marrow is present in the marrow cavity of most long human bones.

In summary, red bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells, while yellow bone marrow stores fat and is involved in the production of cartilage, fat, and bone. Red bone marrow is found in both long and flat bones, whereas yellow bone marrow is found only in long bones.

Comparative Table: Red vs Yellow Bone Marrow

Here is a table summarizing the differences between red and yellow bone marrow:

Red bone marrow is responsible for creating new blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, based on the body's requirements. In contrast, yellow bone marrow primarily stores fat. However, in life-threatening situations, such as when a person is losing a lot of blood, yellow bone marrow can take on the role of red bone marrow and produce red blood cells. By the age of 7, half of the red bone marrow in the body develops into yellow bone marrow.