y like yellow bone marrow

Y as in Yellow Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is a soft, gelatinous tissue that fills the cavities of the bones; it is either red or yellow.   

In humans the red bone marrow forms all of the blood cells with the exception of the lymphocytes.

The color of yellow bone marrow is due to the much higher number of fat cells.

Yellow bone marrow serves primarily as a storehouse for fats, but may be converted to red marrow under certain conditions, such as severe blood loss or fever.

At birth and until about the age of seven, all human marrow is red, as the need for new blood formation is high.  Thereafter, fat tissue gradually replaces the red marrow in adults.

Bones marrow transplant (BMT) replaces diseased or damaged cells with non-cancerous stem cells that can grow healthy, new cells.  BMT is usually used when cancer treatments have destroyed normal stem cells in the bone marrow. 

There are two major types of bone marrow transplants:

•        Allogeneic:  An allogeneic transplant is performed when bone marrow or blood cells are received from a donor other than the patient.  These can come from a related donor, unrelated donor, or cord blood.

•        Autologous Transplant:  An autologous transplant is performed when the patient's own bone marrow or blood cells are used.  The marrow or cells are collected and frozen, and then thawed when needed for reinfusion.

It is undeniable what modern medicine can achieve to help your body return to health, but never forget the part you play in this.  Take action every single day!