What is gelatinous matter in bone?

- It is a soft, jelly-like substance that fills the central cavity of long bones and the spaces between the trabeculae of spongy bone.

- Bone marrow is responsible for the production of blood cells and also stores fat.

There are two types of bone marrow:

1) Red bone marrow, which is found in the axial skeleton (vertebrae, ribs, sternum, and pelvis) and the proximal epiphyses of long bones, is responsible for the production of all types of blood cells (hematopoiesis).

2) Yellow bone marrow, which is found in the diaphyses of long bones, consists mainly of fat cells and serves as an energy reserve.

Composition:

- The gelatinous matrix of bone marrow is composed of water, proteins, and carbohydrates.

- The proteins include collagen, fibronectin, and proteoglycans.

- The carbohydrates include hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.

- Bone marrow also contains a variety of cells, including hematopoietic stem cells, myeloid progenitor cells, lymphoid progenitor cells, stromal cells, and fat cells.

Function:

- The primary function of bone marrow is to produce blood cells.

- Hematopoietic stem cells are located in the bone marrow and give rise to all types of blood cells.

- The bone marrow microenvironment provides the necessary signals and factors for the differentiation and maturation of blood cells.

Bone marrow transplantation

- Bone marrow transplantation is a medical procedure in which healthy bone marrow is transplanted into a patient with damaged or diseased bone marrow.

- Bone marrow transplantation is used to treat a variety of conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and aplastic anemia.