medullary cavity
The medullary cavity is a hollow, cylindrical space found within the long bones of the body, such as the femur and humerus
The medullary cavity is a hollow, cylindrical space found within the long bones of the body, such as the femur and humerus. It is located in the center of the bone and extends along its length. The primary function of the medullary cavity is to house and protect the bone marrow.
Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue that is responsible for the production, storage, and release of blood cells. There are two types of bone marrow: red marrow and yellow marrow.
Red marrow is responsible for the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It contains hematopoietic stem cells, which are cells that can differentiate and give rise to all types of blood cells. Red marrow is typically found within the medullary cavity of young individuals.
On the other hand, yellow marrow is primarily composed of fat cells and is found in the medullary cavity of adult bones. It serves as a storage site for energy reserves in the form of fat.
The walls of the medullary cavity are lined with a specialized layer of connective tissue called endosteum. This tissue contains osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation and remodeling. The presence of osteoblasts ensures that the medullary cavity maintains its size and shape and that bone development and repair can occur.
In summary, the medullary cavity is a hollow space within long bones that houses bone marrow. It plays a critical role in the production, storage, and release of blood cells and provides a storage site for fat in adult bones.
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