Normal Bone Marrow

Chapter 2 - Normal Bone Marrow

from Section 1 - General and Non-neoplastic Hematopathology

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 October 2026

Maria A. Proytcheva

Edited by

Maria A. Proytcheva and

Robert B. Lorsbach

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Maria A. Proytcheva: Affiliation:
University of Arizona, College of Medicine
Robert B. Lorsbach: Affiliation:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

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Summary

Unlike other organ systems, the hematopoiesis is unique, and its anatomic location shifts during the embryogenesis and fetal development from yolk sac to fetal liver, and to bone marrow. At birth and thereafter, it is restricted to the bone marrow, which continues to evolve to accommodate the changing oxygenation needs of the growing child. The composition of the bone marrow in young children reflects such physiologic transformation and differs compared to adults, particularly early in life. Knowledge of such differences is imperative, so changes due to normal development are not misinterpreted as pathologic processes.

Keywords

hematopoietic development hematopoiesis newborn neonate child pediatric bone marrow ontogeny

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Diagnostic Pediatric Hematopathology , pp. 18 - 32
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108861861 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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