300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 (617) 355-6000 Clinical Services (Bone Marrow Failure Program): About Bone Marrow Failure Bone marrow, a spongy material found in the body's large bones, is home to the stem cells which produce blood cells. Each type of blood cell has a purpose: red cells carry oxygen throughout the body, white cells fight infection, and platelets make blood clot. Bone marrow failure means that the body can not produce enough of some or all of these types of cells. Aplastic anemia is a more general term that refers to conditions where blood counts are low because the bone marrow has become empty of blood forming cells. Bone marrow failure or aplastic anemia can be acquired or inherited. The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.