Hematopoiesis

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to hematopoiesis, including definitions of hematopoietic processes, stem cells, and related factors.

Hematopoiesis

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

Hematopoietic system

Consists of the bone marrow, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus in a developing adult.

Totipotential stem cells

The most versatile type of stem cell that can develop into any human cell type, including from embryo into fetus.

Pluripotential stem cells

Stem cells present several days after fertilization, which can develop into any cell type but not into a fetus.

Multipotential stem cells

Stem cells derived from pluripotent stem cells, limited to specific types of cells to form tissues.

Erythropoiesis

The process of producing red blood cells, occurring in erythropoietic islands.

Megakaryopoiesis

The process of producing megakaryocytes, which protrude through the vascular wall to deliver platelets into the blood.

Cytokines

Proteins that act as signaling molecules and regulate various immune responses.

Interleukins

Cytokines that stimulate proliferation and differentiation of specific cell lines within the hematopoietic system.

Bone marrow

The chief organ of hematopoiesis in adults, with supplementary roles also played by the liver and spleen.