Bone Marrow

AbstractThe bone marrow is a highly dynamic organ located within the cavities of bones. The main role of the bone marrow is to facilitate the production of all the blood cells required for normal bodily homeostasis. These cells include lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, red blood cells and plasma cells. The bone marrow is composed of many cell types that provide support for haematopoiesis, the blood cell production process. As with any major organ, many diseases can arise from errors in bone marrow function, including nonmalignant disorders such as anaemia and malignant disorders such as leukaemias. Transplantation of the bone marrow can be carried out, providing treatment options to patients suffering from bone marrow‐related disorders. This article will explore the anatomy and the role of the bone marrow, whilst providing an insight into the disorders created by errors in normal bone marrow function.Key ConceptsThe bone marrow is composed of red and yellow marrow and is the site of haematopoiesis.The primary function of the bone marrow is haematopoiesis – haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) lead to the generation of all blood cellsAll myeloid and lymphoid cells are generated in the bone marrow, crucial for the innate and adaptive immune systems, along with blood clotting and oxygen circulation.Nonhaematopoietic cells provide key molecules to regulate the process of haematopoiesis.Errors in the bone marrow can results in bone marrow‐related disorders, such as anaemia and leukaemia.