Question

All blood cells-red, white, and platelets- are produced by which of the following? a. yellow bone marrow b. red bone marrow c. periosteum d. medullary cavity

Short answer

The correct answer is option b, red bone marrow, as it is responsible for producing all types of blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Step-by-step solution

Consider option a. Yellow bone marrow

Yellow bone marrow is primarily composed of fat cells and serves as energy storage in the body. It does not produce blood cells, so we can eliminate option a as the answer.

Consider option b. Red bone marrow

Red bone marrow is the site where hematopoiesis, the process of blood cell production, occurs. In adults, most hematopoiesis takes place in the bones of the pelvis, sternum, vertebrae, and ribs. Red bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Therefore, it is a suitable candidate for the answer.

Consider option c. Periosteum

Periosteum is a connective tissue that covers the outer surface of bones. It helps in bone growth and repair, but it is not involved in the production of blood cells. This option is not a suitable answer.

Consider option d. Medullary cavity

The medullary cavity, also known as marrow cavity, is the central cavity of long bones where marrow is stored. It contains both red and yellow bone marrow, depending on the age of the individual. However, the cavity itself is not responsible for producing blood cells; it merely provides a location for the marrow.

Choose the correct answer

Based on our analysis of each option, only option b, red bone marrow, is responsible for producing all types of blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Therefore, the correct answer is option b, red bone marrow.