ABSTRACT
Hematopoiesis is the process whereby mature blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets) are produced from the pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. The process involves the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells into different lineages (megakaryocytic, erythroid, lymphoid, granulocytic/marophage) with the ultimate production of mature blood cells. This process is influenced by many complex factors including the bone marrow microenvironment, an elaborate network of cytokines and hematopoietic growth factors, and an adequate supply of nutrients, vitamins, and some trace elements (Table 46.1). Erythropoiesis refers to the production of red blood cells whose major function is oxygen transport and delivery. A decrease in red blood cell mass and oxygen-carrying capacity results in anemia.
