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HistologyTypes of tissuesCartilage and boneYellow bone marrow
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HistologyTypes of tissuesCartilage and boneYellow bone marrow

Yellow bone marrow

Author: Nicola McLaren, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Bone tissue [12:46]
Bone is the basic unit of the human skeletal system.
Yellow bone marrow
Medulla ossium flava
1/2
Synonyms: none

The inner cavities of bones are filled with bone marrow. Both the medullary cavity and the spaces between trabeculae of spongy bone holds this soft spongy marrow tissue. Marrow can be red or yellow or a combination of both. Red bone marrow produces blood cells (red and white) and platelets while the main function of yellow bone marrow is adipose (fat) storage for energy production.

Yellow bone marrow consists of cells and blood vessels held within a connective tissue framework. The majority of cells found in yellow marrow are adipocytes (fat cells), though mesenchymal stem cells are also housed here. Mesenchymal stem cells are cells that can develop into cartilage, bone, fat or muscle cells, if needed. Over time, the red bone marrow in long bones is replaced by yellow bone marrow. However, yellow marrow can be converted back to blood cell producing red marrow if the body’s hematopoietic needs demand it.

Terminology English: Yellow bone marrow
Latin: Medulla flava ossis
Definition and function Yellow bone marrow is located in the cavities of long bones. It stores fat (adipocytes) and contains mesenchymal stem cells. Yellow bone marrow can convert to red marrow if needed.

Learn more about the anatomy of bones with this study unit:

Bone tissue Explore study unit

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.

References: 

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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