Marrow vs. Medulla — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Marrow is the soft, fatty tissue inside bones that produces blood cells, while medulla refers broadly to the innermost parts of an organ, often in the brain or kidneys.
Difference Between Marrow and Medulla
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Marrow is primarily found within the hollow interior of bones and is crucial for the production of red and white blood cells and platelets. Whereas medulla can refer to several different inner regions of organs, such as the renal medulla in kidneys or the medulla oblongata in the brain, each serving distinct functions.
Marrow plays a vital role in hematopoiesis the process of creating new blood cells in the body, which is essential for carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and clotting blood. On the other hand, the medulla in the kidneys focuses on regulating concentration of urine and in the adrenal glands, it produces adrenaline and noradrenaline, critical for the body's fight or flight response.
While marrow is composed of both red marrow, which is active in blood cell production, and yellow marrow, primarily fatty tissue, the medulla in different organs has varied structure depending on its function, like the spongy tissue in the kidneys or nerve tissue in the brain.
Marrow's importance in medical treatments is highlighted in procedures like bone marrow transplants, which are vital for treating certain types of cancer. Meanwhile, the medulla's significance is evident in its role in essential bodily functions, such as blood pressure regulation in the medulla oblongata or controlling metabolism through the adrenal medulla.
Despite the differences, both marrow and medulla are integral to the body’s ability to function and maintain homeostasis, reflecting their roles in different yet essential physiological processes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Location
Inside bones
Innermost part of an organ
Function
Produces blood cells
Varies (e.g., urine concentration, hormone production)
Types
Red marrow, yellow marrow
Renal medulla, medulla oblongata, adrenal medulla
Medical Importance
Bone marrow transplants, cancer treatment
Vital for functions like blood pressure regulation
Composition
Soft, fatty tissue; red and white blood cells
Depends on organ (nerve tissue, spongy tissue)
Compare with Definitions
Marrow
Contains red and yellow marrow.
Yellow marrow is more fatty and less active in blood cell production.
Medulla
Involved in the regulation of various bodily functions.
Damage to the medulla can affect heart rate and digestion.
Marrow
Found in the interior of bones.
Bone scans help assess the health of the marrow.
Medulla
Central part of an organ.
The renal medulla is crucial for urine concentration.
Marrow
Vital for hematopoiesis.
Hematologists study marrow to understand blood diseases.
Medulla
Found in the adrenal glands.
The adrenal medulla secretes stress hormones.
Marrow
Produces blood cells.
The patient received a bone marrow transplant to restore healthy blood cell production.
Medulla
Differs structurally depending on the organ.
The structure of the medulla in kidneys differs from that in the brain.
Marrow
Subject to diseases like leukemia.
Leukemia involves abnormal blood cell production in the marrow.
Medulla
Contains the medulla oblongata.
The medulla oblongata controls vital functions like breathing.
Marrow
Bone marrow.
Medulla
The inner core of certain organs or body structures, such as the marrow of bone.
Marrow
The spinal cord.
Medulla
The medulla oblongata.
Marrow
The marrow squash.
Medulla
See myelin.
Marrow
The inmost, choicest, or essential part; the pith.
Medulla
The pith in the stems or roots of certain plants.
Marrow
Strength or vigor; vitality.
Medulla
The central portion of a thallus in certain lichens and red or brown algae.
Marrow
(uncountable) The substance inside bones which produces blood cells.
Medulla
The soft inner part of something, especially the pith of a fruit.
Marrow
(countable) A kind of vegetable like a large courgette/zucchini or squash.
Medulla
(anatomy) The inner substance of various organs and structures, especially the marrow of bones.
Marrow
The pith of certain plants.
Medulla
The medulla oblongata.
Marrow
The essence; the best part.
Medulla
(botany) The internal tissue of a plant.
Marrow
The inner meaning or purpose.
Medulla
Marrow; pith; hence, essence.
Marrow
Bone marrow biopsy.
This patient will have a marrow today.
Medulla
The marrow of bones; the deep or inner portion of an organ or part; as, the medulla, or medullary substance, of the kidney; specifically, the medula oblongata.
Marrow
(obsolete) Semen.
Medulla
A soft tissue, occupying the center of the stem or branch of a plant; pith.
Marrow
A friend, pal, buddy, mate.
Cheers marrow!
Medulla
See medulla oblongata.
Marrow
One of a pair; a match; a companion; an intimate associate.
Medulla
A white fatty substance that forms a medullary sheath around the axis cylinder of some nerve fibers
Marrow
The tissue which fills the cavities of most bones; the medulla. In the larger cavities it is commonly very fatty, but in the smaller cavities it is much less fatty, and red or reddish in color.
Medulla
Lower or hindmost part of the brain; continuous with spinal cord; (`bulb' is an old term for medulla oblongata);
The medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because it contains centers controlling breathing and heart functioning
Marrow
The essence; the best part.
It takes from our achievements . . .The pith and marrow of our attribute.
Medulla
The inner part of an organ or structure in plant or animal
Marrow
One of a pair; a match; a companion; an intimate associate.
Chopping and changing I can not commend,With thief or his marrow, for fear of ill end.
Marrow
To fill with, or as with, marrow or fat; to glut.
Marrow
The fatty network of connective tissue that fills the cavities of bones
Marrow
Any of various squash plants grown for their elongated fruit with smooth dark green skin and whitish flesh
Marrow
Very tender and very nutritious tissue from marrowbones
Marrow
Large elongated squash with creamy to deep green skins
Marrow
The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;
The gist of the prosecutor's argument
The heart and soul of the Republican Party
The nub of the story
Common Curiosities
What role does the adrenal medulla play?
The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are crucial for the body's stress response.
How does the function of marrow differ from that of the medulla?
Marrow is focused on blood cell production, whereas the medulla's function varies significantly depending on its location, such as hormone production or regulating bodily functions like blood pressure.
Is marrow found in all bones?
Marrow is found in many bones, particularly in the vertebrae, hips, sternum, and ribs, among others.
What medical conditions affect the marrow?
Conditions such as leukemia, anemia, and other blood disorders can affect the marrow.
Does the renal medulla have a specialized function?
Yes, the renal medulla primarily regulates the concentration of urine.
Can marrow be transplanted?
Yes, marrow can be transplanted to treat diseases such as leukemia.
What is the primary function of marrow?
Marrow's primary function is to produce red and white blood cells and platelets.
What are the different types of medulla?
Types of medulla include the renal medulla, medulla oblongata, and adrenal medulla, each serving different functions.
What happens if the medulla oblongata is damaged?
Damage to the medulla oblongata can lead to severe consequences, including loss of autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate control.
What distinguishes red marrow from yellow marrow?
Red marrow is active in blood cell production, while yellow marrow is primarily fatty and less active.
Is the medulla involved in any reflex actions?
Yes, the medulla oblongata is involved in reflex actions such as coughing, sneezing, and vomiting.
How are marrow diseases diagnosed?
Marrow diseases are typically diagnosed through blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging studies.
Are there treatments specific to diseases of the medulla?
Treatments for medulla-related diseases depend on the specific organ and condition but may include medication, surgery, and supportive therapies.
How is the health of the marrow assessed?
The health of the marrow is assessed through medical imaging, blood tests, and sometimes bone marrow biopsy.
Can medulla damage affect hormone production?
Yes, damage to the adrenal medulla can affect hormone production, impacting stress response.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Nursery vs. Childcare
Next Comparison
Apophysis vs. EpiphysisAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
