Bone marrow, stem cells, hematopoiesis. The bone marrow is located in the bones, mainly in the sternal bones, the iliac bones and the head of the femur as in this drawing. It produces hematopoietic stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells produce blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets). During erythropoiesis, stem cells give red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen through the tissues. During leukopoiesis, stem cells make white blood cells. White blood cells fight infections of the body. During thrombocytopoiesis, stem cells give platelets. Platelets fight hemorrhages by clotting blood.