marvhulen

Marvhulen is a term used in some Scandinavian languages to denote the bone marrow cavity—the central hollow within bones that houses marrow. In medical usage, marvhulen corresponds to what is commonly called the medullary cavity or marrow cavity in English.

Anatomically, the marvhulen lies within the compact and trabecular bone of a bone’s interior, surrounding the hollow space of the diaphysis in long bones. It is lined by the endosteum and connected to the cortical surface through small channels. The cavity contains marrow tissue and blood vessels that supply the marrow.

There are two main types of marrow relevant to marvhulen: red marrow, which is hematopoietically active and produces blood cells; and yellow marrow, which is largely composed of adipose tissue and serves as an energy reserve. At birth, most marrow is red, but over time red marrow is gradually replaced by yellow marrow in many areas. In adults, red marrow remains in specific regions such as the skull, vertebrae, ribs, sternum, pelvis, and the proximal ends of the femur and humerus.

Clinically, the marvhulen is important for procedures such as bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, used to diagnose hematologic disorders and to assess marrow function. Disorders affecting the marrow, including leukemia, aplastic anemia, and marrow fibrosis, can alter the appearance and function of the marrow cavity.

See also: medullary cavity, bone marrow, hematopoiesis.