When we think of bones, we think of them as something that gives strength and strength to the body, right? That's true. But did you know that inside our big bones there is something very amazing, like a living factory? That's what we call bone marrow, or in English `(Bone Marrow)`. This is an indispensable and very important part of our lives. So today, let's talk about this bone marrow in simple terms.
Simply put, what is this bone marrow?
Bone marrow is the soft, jelly-like tissue inside our bones. In fact, it's the main blood-making site in our bodies. All of your blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, are made in this bone marrow.
Think of the bone marrow as the main factory of a large company. This factory is where the body makes the various types of "workers" (i.e. blood cells) it needs and sends them throughout the body through the blood vessels.
- Red Blood Cells: These are the "delivery service" that carries oxygen throughout the body.
- White Blood Cells: These are our body's "defense army." They fight germs that cause disease.
- Platelets: This is the "repair team" that stops bleeding when there is an injury somewhere.
All of this is produced in the bone marrow. Not only that, but the bone marrow also helps store fat for the body to use when it needs it. Therefore, we cannot live without the bone marrow.
Did you know that there are two types of bone marrow?
Yes, there are two main types of bone marrow in our bodies. They are distinguished by their color. On average, an adult has about 2.5 kilograms of both types in their body.
Let's see what these two types are.
| Bone marrow type | Main function and description |
|---|---|
| Red Bone Marrow | This is the main factory that makes our blood cells. In medicine, we call this process (Hematopoiesis) . Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are produced from special stem cells inside the red bone marrow. |
| Yellow Bone Marrow | This type is mainly made up of fat. Its main function is to store fat for use when energy is needed. Also, the stem cells in it can help build bones, cartilage, muscles, and fat cells. |
When we are young, up until about 7 years of age, our bones are almost entirely made up of red bone marrow. This is because at that time, the body needs a lot of blood cells to grow. As we grow older, some of this red bone marrow turns into yellow bone marrow.
Can I donate bone marrow? Why?
Yes, it definitely can. It's a great thing to do to save a life. In some diseases, especially leukemia, which is a blood cancer, the cells in the bone marrow become abnormal, stopping the production of healthy blood cells and allowing abnormal cancer cells to grow rapidly.
At times like this, by transplanting bone marrow from a healthy person into a sick person (Bone Marrow Transplant), the patient's body can begin to produce healthy blood cells again.
What happens in this is that healthy stem cells, taken from a healthy donor, are infused into the patient's bloodstream. The cells then go and settle in the patient's bone marrow and begin to make healthy blood cells.
What diseases affect the bone marrow?
Since the bone marrow is the primary site of blood production, various blood-related diseases can occur when the function of the bone marrow is impaired. Let's look at some of the main such diseases.
| Medical condition | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Leukemia | This is a cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. The cells in the bone marrow become mutated and produce large numbers of abnormal white blood cells without control. |
| Multiple Myeloma | A special type of cell called plasma cells in the bone marrow becomes cancerous and grows uncontrollably. |
| Aplastic Anemia | What happens in this is that the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells (red, white, and platelets). It's as if the bone marrow factory stops working. |
| Polycythemia Vera | This occurs when the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, which causes the blood to thicken and increases the risk of blood clots. |
| Myelodysplastic Syndromes | This is a group of diseases. In this, the blood cells produced by the bone marrow are not healthy and do not work properly. As a result, the number of healthy blood cells in the body decreases. |
What are the common symptoms of these diseases?
Although each disease has specific symptoms when there is a problem with the bone marrow, the following are common symptoms:
- Tiredness and fatigue: Without enough red blood cells, the body doesn't get the oxygen it needs.
- Frequent illnesses: Due to a lack of healthy white blood cells, the body's immune system is weakened.
- Easy bruising and bleeding: Due to low platelet count, even a small cut takes a long time to stop bleeding. The skin may bruise easily.
- Muscle weakness.
- Paleness.
If you have these symptoms, it is very important to see your doctor immediately for advice.
How to check the health of bone marrow?
If a doctor suspects that you have a problem with your bone marrow, there are two tests that can confirm it. Both of these tests are usually done under a numbing agent, so you won't feel much pain.
1. Bone Marrow Aspiration: In this, a special needle is used to remove a sample of fluid and cells from the bone marrow. This sample is tested to determine exactly what types of cells are in the bone marrow and whether they are normal or abnormal.
2. Bone Marrow Biopsy: In this, a small piece of bone marrow tissue is taken using a slightly larger needle. This can provide a better understanding of the arrangement, types, and sizes of cells in the bone marrow.
After this test, there may be some pain and bruising where the needle was inserted for a few days. But that is normal.
What can we do to keep bone marrow healthy?
Since bone marrow is the foundation of our bones, blood, and muscles, doing things that help keep those parts healthy is also good for the bone marrow.
- Eat protein-rich foods: Include protein-rich foods like lean meat, fish, beans, nuts, milk, and eggs in your diet. Protein is essential for building healthy cells.
- Take care of your vitamins and minerals: Iron, vitamin B9 (folic acid), and vitamin B12 are especially important for blood formation. Eat foods rich in these (vegetables, meat, nuts). But be sure to ask your doctor before taking vitamin pills.
- Manage other medical conditions: Some medical conditions can indirectly affect bone marrow function, so it's important to get proper treatment for any other medical conditions you may have.
- A healthy lifestyle: Adequate exercise, good sleep, and a balanced diet are beneficial for the health of every part of the body, including the bone marrow.
The bone marrow is like a silent, yet indispensable hero in our body. It is our responsibility to be aware of it and take care of our health.
Take-Home Message
- Bone marrow is the main factory inside our bones that produces blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).
- There are two types of bone marrow, red and yellow. Blood is made mainly from red bone marrow.
- In blood cancers like leukemia, the function of the bone marrow is impaired. A healthy bone marrow transplant can be a life-saving treatment for such patients.
- It is important to seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as frequent fatigue, frequent illness, or easy bruising.
- A balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins and a healthy lifestyle help maintain bone marrow health.
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