ABSTRACT
Blood cells are vital to life: they transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, contribute to host immunity, and facilitate blood clotting. An intricate, multistep process allows immature precursor cells in the bone marrow to differentiate, mature, and become functional blood cells. Ordinarily, this well-regulated process allows for replacement of cells lost through daily physiologic activities. The process is also capable of producing adequate and appropriate cells for fighting infection and for replacing cell losses due to hemorrhaging or destruction. The process of production and maturation of blood cells is called hematopoiesis.
