What are bone marrow and stem cells?
Bone marrow is the soft, sponge-like material found inside bones. It contains immature cells called stem cells that produce blood cells. There are three types of blood cells: white blood cells, which fight infection; red blood cells, which carry oxygen to and remove waste products from organs and tissues; and platelets, which enable the blood to clot. Most stem cells are found in the bone marrow, but some stem cells called peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) can be found in the bloodstream. Umbilical cord blood also contains stem cells. Stem cells can divide to form more stem cells, or they can mature into white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. Return to top of page. • What are bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation? Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) are procedures that restore stem cells that have been destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. There are three t
Related Questions
- Do you think people get confused between obtaining stem cells from un-needed embryos, bone marrow, and now umbilical cord blood? Is the confusion understandable, or is at all the same science?
- What is the difference between cord blood stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and bone marrow stem cells?
- Are there any religions against donating bone marrow or stem cells?
