Red blood cells are formed in which type of bone marrow?

Red blood cells are formed in red bone marrow, which is highly vascularized and contains hematopoietic stem cells responsible for the production of various blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This marrow is found in the flat bones such as the pelvis, sternum, and ribs, as well as in the ends of long bones.

In contrast, yellow bone marrow primarily serves as a fat storage area and is not involved in the production of blood cells. White bone marrow is not a recognized term in anatomy; rather, the red and yellow types are the primary classifications of marrow. Compact bone is the dense outer layer of bone that provides strength and support but does not play a direct role in hematopoiesis. Thus, understanding the specific function of each type of bone marrow emphasizes why red marrow is the key site for the formation of red blood cells.