Medical Importance

Hematopoiesis is regulated to ensure an adequate supply of blood cells. The pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell differentiates via committed hematopoietic progenitors dependent upon bone marrow stroma, specific growth factors, and genetic programming. 

The hematopoietic stem cell has the capability of self-renewal and significant plasticity. The consequences of bone marrow failure leading to pancytopenia include anemia, infection propensity and bleeding.

Objectives

1. Identify the different sites of hematopoiesis from fetal to adult life.


2. List the functional capabilities of hematopoietic growth factors by target cells.


3. Describe the maturation sequence in the development of erythroblasts to mature erythrocytes, including its temporal duration and the lifespan of these cells.


4. Describe the site of production for erythropoietin and the stimulus for its synthesis.


5. Describe the maturation sequence in the development of platelets, including the lifespan of these cells, and the key growth factor for megakaryopoiesis.


6. Describe the maturation sequence in the development of neutrophils, and the lifespan of these cells.


7. Describe the maturation sequence in the development of mature lymphocytes, including its temporal duration and the life span of these cells.


8. Describe the mechanisms (production, destruction, and sequestration) and consequences of pancytopenia.


9. Identify the pathophysiologic mechanisms of bone marrow aplasia.

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