erythropoiesis

views updated May 18 2018

erythropoiesis The formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes), which occurs in the red bone marrow (see haemopoietic tissue). The earliest precursor that can be distinguished microscopically is the proerythroblast, which develops from a haemopoietic stem cell and gives rise successively to the early erythroblast, intermediate erythroblast, and the late erythroblast, in which most haemoglobin is synthesized. In mammals the nucleus is then forced from the cell, which assumes a biconcave shape and is known as a reticulocyte. Reticulocytes are released into the blood and develop into mature erythrocytes within two days. See also erythropoietin.

erythropoiesis

views updated May 29 2018

erythropoiesis (i-rith-roh-poi-ee-sis) n. the process of red blood cell (erythrocyte) production, which normally occurs in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow. See also haemopoiesis.

erythropoiesis

views updated May 11 2018

erythropoiesis The formation and development of the red blood cells in the bone marrow.