Correct Answer: bone marrow
hematopoiesis, the process by which blood cells are formed, primarily occurs in specific areas within the adult human body. the main site for hematopoiesis in adults is the bone marrow. specifically, it is the red bone marrow that is active in blood cell production, while yellow marrow is mainly involved in fat storage.
the bone marrow that actively produces blood cells is located in the trabecular cavities of spongy bone tissue of long bones such as the femur and humerus, as well as in the diploë (spongy bone) of flat bones like the sternum, pelvis, and ribs. in these marrow spaces, hematopoietic stem cells differentiate and mature into various types of blood cells including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
contrary to some misconceptions, hematopoiesis in adults does not typically occur in lymphatic tissue. lymphatic tissues, including lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus, are primarily involved in immune responses and the maturation of certain white blood cells like lymphocytes, but not in the formation of new blood cells from stem cells.
during embryonic development, however, hematopoiesis occurs in different locations. it begins in the yolk sac around the 19th day of embryonic development, where primitive blood cells are formed. later in development, hematopoiesis shifts to the liver and eventually to the bone marrow, which continues into adulthood.
the quiz question might include misleading options like "lymphatic tissue" or "brain tissues." it is important to clarify that the brain does not participate in hematopoiesis. any reference to "both a and c" as answer choices where "a" or "c" may refer to incorrect options should be approached with caution and the focus should be on the fact that bone marrow is the correct and primary site for adult hematopoiesis.
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