Erythropoiesis: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|The process of producing red blood cells}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
== | ==Erythropoiesis== | ||
[[File:1905_Erythrocyte_Life_Cycle.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram of erythrocyte life cycle]] | |||
'''Erythropoiesis''' is the process by which new [[red blood cells]] (RBCs), or [[erythrocytes]], are produced. This process is essential for maintaining adequate levels of oxygen in the tissues, as erythrocytes are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation. | |||
Erythropoiesis | ==Stages of Erythropoiesis== | ||
Erythropoiesis occurs primarily in the [[bone marrow]] and involves several stages of cell differentiation and maturation: | |||
The | ===Proerythroblast=== | ||
The process begins with the differentiation of a [[hematopoietic stem cell]] into a proerythroblast. This cell is large, with a large nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm. | |||
===Basophilic Erythroblast=== | |||
The proerythroblast develops into a basophilic erythroblast, characterized by a smaller size and more condensed chromatin. The cytoplasm remains basophilic due to the presence of ribosomes. | |||
== | ===Polychromatic Erythroblast=== | ||
As the cell continues to mature, it becomes a polychromatic erythroblast. The cytoplasm begins to acquire a grayish hue as hemoglobin synthesis increases. | |||
The | ===Orthochromatic Erythroblast=== | ||
The orthochromatic erythroblast, or normoblast, is the next stage. The nucleus becomes pyknotic and is eventually extruded from the cell. | |||
===Reticulocyte=== | |||
After the nucleus is extruded, the cell is known as a reticulocyte. Reticulocytes are released into the bloodstream, where they mature into erythrocytes within a day or two. | |||
== | ===Erythrocyte=== | ||
The final stage is the mature erythrocyte, which is a biconcave, anucleate cell optimized for gas exchange. | |||
==Regulation of Erythropoiesis== | |||
Erythropoiesis is tightly regulated by the hormone [[erythropoietin]] (EPO), which is primarily produced by the [[kidneys]] in response to hypoxia. EPO stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. | |||
[[ | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
Disorders of erythropoiesis can lead to various forms of [[anemia]], characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells. Conditions such as [[iron deficiency anemia]], [[thalassemia]], and [[aplastic anemia]] are examples of disorders affecting erythropoiesis. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Hematopoiesis]] | * [[Hematopoiesis]] | ||
* [[Red blood cell]] | |||
* [[Anemia]] | |||
* [[Erythropoietin]] | * [[Erythropoietin]] | ||
[[Category:Hematology]] | [[Category:Hematology]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Blood cells]] | ||
Latest revision as of 05:55, 16 February 2025
The process of producing red blood cells
Erythropoiesis[edit]
Erythropoiesis is the process by which new red blood cells (RBCs), or erythrocytes, are produced. This process is essential for maintaining adequate levels of oxygen in the tissues, as erythrocytes are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation.
Stages of Erythropoiesis[edit]
Erythropoiesis occurs primarily in the bone marrow and involves several stages of cell differentiation and maturation:
Proerythroblast[edit]
The process begins with the differentiation of a hematopoietic stem cell into a proerythroblast. This cell is large, with a large nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm.
Basophilic Erythroblast[edit]
The proerythroblast develops into a basophilic erythroblast, characterized by a smaller size and more condensed chromatin. The cytoplasm remains basophilic due to the presence of ribosomes.
Polychromatic Erythroblast[edit]
As the cell continues to mature, it becomes a polychromatic erythroblast. The cytoplasm begins to acquire a grayish hue as hemoglobin synthesis increases.
Orthochromatic Erythroblast[edit]
The orthochromatic erythroblast, or normoblast, is the next stage. The nucleus becomes pyknotic and is eventually extruded from the cell.
Reticulocyte[edit]
After the nucleus is extruded, the cell is known as a reticulocyte. Reticulocytes are released into the bloodstream, where they mature into erythrocytes within a day or two.
Erythrocyte[edit]
The final stage is the mature erythrocyte, which is a biconcave, anucleate cell optimized for gas exchange.
Regulation of Erythropoiesis[edit]
Erythropoiesis is tightly regulated by the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which is primarily produced by the kidneys in response to hypoxia. EPO stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow.
Clinical Significance[edit]
Disorders of erythropoiesis can lead to various forms of anemia, characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells. Conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia are examples of disorders affecting erythropoiesis.
