What does "Bone Marrow" mean?
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Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found inside bones. It plays a crucial role in producing blood cells. There are two main types of blood cells made in the bone marrow: red blood cells, which carry oxygen, and white blood cells, which help fight infections.
Types of Stem Cells
Bone marrow contains stem cells, which are special cells that can turn into different types of blood cells. There are two main groups of these stem cells: long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) and short-term hematopoietic stem cells (ST-HSCs). LT-HSCs can last longer and provide a steady supply of blood cells, while ST-HSCs are more active but do not last as long.
Aging and Blood Cell Production
As people age, the balance between LT-HSCs and ST-HSCs can change. This shift can lead to more production of certain blood cells, particularly those involved in the immune response. This change is a normal part of aging, but it can affect how well the body fights infections and responds to illness.
Dendritic Cells
Dendritic cells are a type of immune cell that help the body recognize and respond to threats, like infections. They are formed from the stem cells in the bone marrow and play a key role in the immune system. Scientists study how to make these cells more efficiently from bone marrow to improve our understanding of immune responses.