Medullary cavity facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Medullary Cavity |
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| A long bone, with medullary cavity labeled near center. | |
| Latin | cavitas medullaris |
The medullary cavity is a special hollow space found inside your bones. It's often called the marrow cavity because it stores two important types of bone marrow: red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow. This cavity is a key part of your skeletal system!
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What is the Medullary Cavity?
The medullary cavity is the central, open area within the main shaft of a long bone. Imagine a long bone like a tube; the medullary cavity is the empty space inside that tube.
Where is it Found?
This important cavity is located in the diaphysis, which is the long, middle part of a long bone. The walls of this cavity are made of a type of bone called spongy bone. Inside, the cavity is lined with a very thin, blood-rich membrane called the endosteum.
What Does the Medullary Cavity Do?
The medullary cavity plays a big role in your body.
- It's where your body makes new red blood cells and white blood cells. These cells are super important for carrying oxygen and fighting off sickness.
- The yellow bone marrow stored here is mostly adipose tissue, which means it's a type of fat. This fat can be used for energy when your body needs it.
- Interestingly, in birds, this cavity also helps provide calcium for making eggshells!
- Scientists have even found this cavity in fossil bones, showing how well it can be preserved over millions of years.
Understanding 'Intramedullary'
You might hear the word intramedullary in medical terms. It simply means "inside a bone."
- For example, doctors use intramedullary rods in orthopedic surgery to help fix broken bones. These rods are placed right inside the medullary cavity to support the bone as it heals.
- Sometimes, unwanted growths, like a tumor, can form inside the bone. These are called intramedullary tumors. Doctors study these to understand and treat them.
