Which part of the skeleton is responsible for producing red blood cells?

The part of the skeleton responsible for producing red blood cells is the sternum. This is largely due to its classification as a flat bone, which contains red bone marrow, the specific tissue where hematopoiesis—the process of blood cell production—occurs.

While the femur, pelvis, and ribs do also contain red bone marrow and contribute to blood cell production, the sternum is particularly recognized for its role due to its accessibility and the volume of marrow it contains. In adults, the sternum, along with other flat bones such as the pelvis, ribs, and certain vertebrae, is crucial in maintaining the production of red blood cells, especially as the body's demand for these cells changes over time. This makes the sternum an important site within the skeletal system for hematopoiesis.