Which part of the bone contains tissue that helps form red and white blood cells?

• A. Compact Bone
• B. Marrow
• C. Cartilage
• D. Spongy Bone

Answer: (B)

The tissue that forms red and white blood cells is found in the marrow inside bones. Bone marrow contains hematopoietic tissue with stem cells that differentiate into erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and platelets. In adults, red marrow is mainly located in the pelvis, skull, ribs, sternum, vertebrae, and the ends of long bones like the femur and humerus; long-bone shafts mostly contain yellow marrow, but red marrow remains where blood cell production is needed.

Compact bone is the dense outer layer that gives bones strength; spongy bone has a porous, latticed structure that houses marrow in its spaces; cartilage is avascular and does not produce blood cells.