Bone marrow is not entirely liquid; it has both fluid and solid components.
Understanding Bone Marrow Composition
Bone marrow is a complex tissue found inside bones. It's responsible for producing blood cells and is made up of two main parts:
- Fluid Portion: This is the liquid part of the bone marrow, which contains various types of cells and substances.
- Solid Portion: This part is more structured and contains fat cells, connective tissue, and blood cell precursors.
Bone Marrow Sampling
The method used to extract bone marrow samples depends on whether the liquid or solid portion is needed:
| Sampling Method | Portion Sampled | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Marrow Aspiration | Fluid | A needle is used to withdraw a sample of the liquid part. This fluid is used to analyze cell types and count. |
| Bone Marrow Biopsy | Solid | A needle is used to withdraw a core sample of the solid tissue. This is analyzed for structural changes. |
Key Takeaway
As stated in the reference, "Bone marrow has a fluid portion and a more solid portion." Therefore, bone marrow is not solely a liquid; it is a combination of liquid and solid materials.
