PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your body’s blood cell factory

BONE MARROW

Bone marrow is like a busy manufacturing plant inside your bones.
It produces all of your blood cells — including the white blood cells that power your immune system, red blood cells that carry oxygen, and platelets that help your blood clot.

Even though you can’t see it, bone marrow is constantly working to keep your body nourished, protected, and in balance.

Here’s what they help with:

  • Makes white blood cells to fight infection and support immunity

  • Produces red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body

  • Creates platelets to help clot blood and stop bleeding

  • Stores stem cells that can turn into different types of blood cells as needed

  • Releases new blood cells into the bloodstream to replace old ones

Bone marrow isn’t just where blood cells are made — it’s also a key structural and developmental part of bones. Think of it like the hidden factory inside a building that produces essential supplies while keeping the structure strong.

Supports bone growth and development

  • Provides a space for fat storage (yellow marrow)

  • Hosts stem cells that contribute to tissue repair

  • Works with bones to maintain overall skeletal health

BONE MARROW BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for bone marrow related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Stem Cell - A starter cell that can change into different types of blood cells

Red Bone Marrow - Active tissue that produces blood cells

Yellow Bone Marrow - Fatty tissue that can turn back into red marrow if needed

Hematopoiesis - The process of making new blood cells

Platelets - Cell fragments that help blood clot and stop bleeding

Leukemia - Cancer of the bone marrow and blood-forming tissues

WHAT BONE MARROW WORK WITH

bone marrow + OTHER SYSTEMS

  1. Immune System → Supplies white blood cells to respond to threats

  2. Circulatory System → Delivers newly made blood cells throughout the body

  3. Spleen + Lymph Nodes → Help mature and store immune cells made in the marrow

  4. Stem Cells → Develop into specialized cells depending on what the body needs

  5. Hormones + Signals → Tell bone marrow when to make more of a certain kind of cell

  6. Bones → Fills cavities, contributes to bone growth, and helps maintain structural integrity

  7. Skeletal System → Supports the body framework and movement

  8. Endocrine System → Responds to hormones (like erythropoietin) that regulate blood cell production

  9. Circulatory System → Delivers nutrients and carries out mature blood cells from marrow into circulation

Healthy BONE MARROW

  • Keeps your immune system stocked and ready to defend

  • Ensures your body has enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells

  • Helps stop bleeding and heal injuries

  • Adapts to stress, infection, or illness by producing more of what you need

  • Supports overall energy, immunity, and recovery

    If bone marrow becomes damaged or suppressed, it can lead to anemia, low immunity, or difficulty healing.

    Your bone marrow may be hidden, but it’s one of the most important life-support systems in your body. 🦴