Purpose of review: Bone marrow adipocytes (BMAs) have distinct molecular properties and physiologic responses depending on their location within the skeleton.
Recent findings: This concept was introduced in the 1970s and validated more recently in the contexts of cold exposure, sympathetic tone, hematopoiesis, diabetes, lactation, fasting and caloric restriction.
Summary: In this brief review, we discuss the concept of regulated vs constitutive BMAs, explore their evolutionary and microenvironmental origins, define the site-specific molecular features of BMAs, and discuss the translational implications of the dual bone marrow adipose tissue hypothesis.
Keywords: adipose; bone marrow adipocyte; hematopoiesis; marrow fat; yellow marrow.