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HistologyTypes of tissuesCartilage and boneMedullary cavity
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HistologyTypes of tissuesCartilage and boneMedullary cavity

Medullary cavity

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Bone marrow [11:20]
Histological features of the bone marrow.
Medullary cavity
Cavitas medullaris
1/2
Synonyms: none

The medullary cavity (marrow cavity) is the hollow central space found within the shaft (diaphysis) of long bones. Its walls are formed by a thin layer of spongy bone, which is itself surrounded by a thick layer of compact bone comprising the diaphysis. Lining the surface of the medullary cavity is a thin layer of connective tissue known as the endosteum, containing cells required for bone development and remodeling.

The medullary cavity is important for housing the body's bone marrow stores. The type of bone marrow found here depends on age. In children the medullary cavity contains red bone marrow, whilst in adulthood this has mostly been replaced over time by yellow bone marrow (adipose). 

Terminology English: Medullary cavity
Latin: Cavitas medullaris
Structure Hollow space within the diaphysis of long bones
Function Houses bone marrow

Learn more about bones in this study unit: 

Bones Read article

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

Marieb, E., & Hoehn, K. (2022). Human Anatomy and Physiology, Global Edition. (12th ed.). Pearson Education, Limited.

Uquillas, J. A., & Malik, N. (2022). Tissue Engineering, Third Edition. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2020-...

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