Hematopoiesis

These flashcards cover key concepts related to hematopoiesis, including definitions and processes involved in blood cell development.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell production, differentiation, and development.

Totipotential stem cells

Stem cells present in the first few hours after fertilization that can develop into any human cell type.

Pluripotential stem cells

Stem cells that can develop into any cell type except for fetal development, present several days after fertilization.

Multipotential stem cells

Stem cells derived from pluripotential cells, found in adults, limited to specific types of cells.

Primitive hematopoiesis

The phase of hematopoiesis that occurs in the yolk sac, starting on day 19 postconception.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)

A factor that stimulates the production of granulocytes from bone marrow.

Erythropoietic islands

Specialized niches in which erythroid precursors proliferate, differentiate, and enucleate.

Cytokines

Proteins that bind to receptors on target cells to induce intracellular signaling for cell survival, proliferation, or differentiation.

Interleukins

Cytokines that stimulate proliferation and differentiation of specific cell lines in hematopoiesis.

Megakaryopoiesis

The process of forming megakaryocytes, which produce platelets.

Lymphopoiesis

The production of lymphocytes and plasma cells in lymphoid follicles.

Bone marrow

The chief organ of hematopoiesis in adults, responsible for the production of blood cells.