Hematopoiesis is the process of creating cellular blood and blood plasma components. The activity takes place in the hematopoietic system that consists of tissues and organs including the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
In other words, the body makes its blood cells through hematopoiesis. The process kicks off during the early formation of an embryo in the womb and continues throughout an individual’s life.
Keep reading to understand this process. In short while, we will look at the process of hematopoiesis.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is Hematopoiesis?
The blood has over ten different cells. These cells belong to the following categories;
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes); responsible for transporting oxygen as well as hemoglobin in your system.
- White blood cells or leukocytes; they boost the immune system. White blood cells are categorized into the following;
a) Lymphocytes; these also include the B cells and T cells. They help fight tumors and viruses.
b) Neutrophils; these are a type of white blood cells meant to control fungal and bacterial infections.
c) Basophils; produce histamines that play a key role in an inflammatory response.
d) Macrophages; consume and digest debris such as bacteria among others.
3. Platelets or thrombocytes; platelets are responsible for the clotting of the blood.
What is the Process of Hematopoiesis?
Process of Hematopoiesis
It all depends on the needs of your body. The body makes new blood cells in order to replace the old blood cells. Actually, 1% of the body’s blood cells ought to be replaced every single day.
Basically, the white blood cells tend to have a shorter life span. Therefore, they may survive for a few days or even hours. As for the red blood cells, they have a longer lifespan as they last for over 12 days or more.
The process starts with an unspecialized stem cell. The stem cell increases while some of the new cells grow into precursor cells. The latter are cells later develop into a specific type of blood cell only that they are not well developed.
However, after a short while, the mature cells divides into blood components like white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells.
The researchers indeed understand the principles of hematopoiesis but there’s controversy regarding the formation of stem cells involved in the process of hematopoiesis.
Where Does it Occur?
Basically, It takes place in organs and tissues like bone marrow, liver, and spleen.
Hematopoiesis Process In the Embryo
It is the embryo that is alternatively referred to as primitive hematopoiesis. It creates red blood cells that supply oxygen to the developing cells. During embryo development the yolk sac controls hematopoiesis. The same yolk sac nourishes the embryo before the placenta is well-formed.
As the formation of the embryo continues, the process of hematopoiesis begins in other body parts including the bone marrow, spleen, and the liver to create other blood cells.
However, in adults, the process takes place in the bone marrow. But in young children and the infants, the activity continues in the liver and spleen. Lymphocytes which are a type of white blood cells are produced in the lymph system. This includes the lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen.
The tissues present on the lymph nodes, spleen, and the liver as well as in other organs create monocytes which is another form of white blood cells.
What is the Difference Between Hematopoiesis and Hemopoiesis?
Hematopoiesis is almost the same as hemopoiesis but they differ a bit. For example, hematopoiesis is the process through which the blood cells are created. However, hemopoiesis is the process of forming new cellular blood components in lymphatic tissue or myeloid.
Types
Actually, every blood type assumes a different process of hematopoiesis. But they all start as stem cells and are referred to as multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). After that, it follows completely different routes.
Trilineage hematopoiesis involves the production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. You must note that the above cells start by converting HSC into CMP or common myeloid progenitors.
From there, the process starts to change. During the process, the precursor cells tend to be more organized.
Conclusion
Finally, it is essential that you maintain a good body healthy since your health condition has an impact on your blood cells despite the occurrence of hematopoiesis.
For instance, lymphoma or leukemia which is the cancer of the white blood cells interrupts white blood cells count in your bloodstream. Besides, tumors that develop in hematopoietic tissue known to produce red blood cells alter blood cells count.
