Question

Which of the following best describes the functions of red bone marrow and yellow marrow in the human body?

A) Red bone marrow functions to produce blood cells, whereas yellow marrow functions to store fat.
B) Red bone marrow functions to store fat, whereas yellow marrow functions to produce blood cells.
C) Red bone marrow functions to support muscle development, whereas yellow marrow functions to maintain bone strength.
D) Red bone marrow functions to aid digestion, whereas yellow marrow functions to regulate body temperature."

Answer 1

The student's question about the functions of red bone marrow and yellow marrow is best answered by option A, which indicates that red bone marrow produces blood cells and yellow marrow stores fat, both playing critical roles in human physiology.

Step-by-step explanation:

Red bone marrow is rich in hematopoietic cells and is responsible for the process of hematopoiesis, which is the production of the body's red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). As we grow older, some of the red marrow is replaced by yellow marrow, which primarily consists of adipose tissue that stores energy in the form of fat. However, red bone marrow remains in certain bones, such as the sternum, pelvis, and vertebrae, continuing its vital role in hematopoiesis throughout adulthood.

While red bone marrow's hematopoietic function is central to the formation of blood elements, yellow marrow serves as an important site for energy storage, which the body can utilize in times of need. The functions of red and yellow marrow are crucial for maintaining overall health, with one contributing to blood cell production and the other to energy storage.