AEMCA Practice Exam

In adults, haematopoiesis occurs mainly in which of the following locations?

1. The distal long bones

2. The pelvis, vertebral column, and cranium

3. The rib cage

4. The upper limb girdle

The correct answer is: The pelvis, vertebral column, and cranium

In adults, hematopoiesis, which is the process of blood cell formation, primarily occurs in the bone marrow located in specific areas of the skeleton. These areas include the pelvis, vertebral column, and cranium. The pelvis, for example, is a major reservoir of bone marrow, as it contains a substantial amount of red marrow, which is responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The vertebral column also has significant amounts of active marrow that can contribute to hematopoiesis. Additionally, the cranium also plays a role due to its spongy bone structure that houses red marrow, especially in flat bones. The other locations mentioned in the options are less significant for hematopoiesis in adults. The distal long bones, while they contain some red marrow, primarily house yellow marrow in adults, which is more involved in fat storage rather than blood cell production. The rib cage has some contribution to hematopoiesis as well, but not to the extent of the pelvis, vertebral column, and cranium. The upper limb girdle is not a primary site for blood cell production, as it has minimal red marrow compared to other skeletal regions. Given this information, the pelvis, verte