Hematopoietic system

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Hematopoietic System

The Hematopoietic System (pronounced: hee-muh-toh-poy-eh-tik) is a complex biological system responsible for the production of all the types of blood cells in the body. The term "hematopoietic" is derived from the Greek words "haima" meaning "blood" and "poiesis" meaning "to make".

Structure

The Hematopoietic System is primarily located in the bone marrow, which is a spongy tissue found in the hollow interior of long bones. It consists of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are multipotent stem cells that give rise to all the different types of blood cells.

Function

The primary function of the Hematopoietic System is to produce and regulate the body's blood cells. This includes the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).

Disorders

Disorders of the Hematopoietic System can lead to various diseases such as leukemia, anemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors including genetic mutations, infections, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.

Treatment

Treatment for disorders of the Hematopoietic System often involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplantation. The choice of treatment depends on the specific disorder and the patient's overall health.

See Also

References

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