Читать книгу The SAGE Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research - Группа авторов - Страница 173

The bones are multifunctional organs of the body that are a part of the endoskeleton. They are composed of cortical (compact) bone and cancellous (spongy) bone. Cortical bone is the outer hard covering, which gives bones the characteristic white color. Cancellous bone is the inner part of the bone, which is composed of a porous network in which the blood vessels and bone marrow are located. The bones have many essential functions. They act as a protective barrier for vital organs such as the brain and heart. They are required for structure and movement of the human body. The major function of the bone is hematopoiesis, which is the production of red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC). Therefore, disorders of the bones can have highly detrimental effects in the body and can lead to death. Stem cells have great potential in the recovery of normal function after treatment of a bone disease. During the course of disease, there is death of essential cells and a decrease in normal function. Hematopoietic stem cells can be implanted after chemotherapy to regain normal WBC and RBC production. This article explains some of the major pathologies affecting bone.