ABSTRACT
Erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets are all derived from bone marrow, although each cell subtype is derived from bone marrow at different sites of the body; certain types of leukocyte are also derived from lymphoid tissues such as the thymus gland. Any dis ruption of bone marrow activity, for example following administration of cytotoxic drugs, has the effect of interfering with blood cell formation and therefore has a profound effect on the function of the whole body. Disorders of blood cell formation and the drugs used for their treatment are discussed below.
