Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow, which is a spongy tissue found inside certain bones. This process is called hematopoiesis. It begins with stem cells in the bone marrow, which are called hemocytoblasts. These stem cells can develop into any type of blood cell, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Here's a simplified breakdown of blood cell formation:
- Stem cells in the bone marrow are called hemocytoblasts.
- These stem cells can develop into different types of blood cells, depending on the body's needs.
- Red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, are formed from a stem cell called a proerythroblast.
- White blood cells, which fight infection, are formed from a stem cell called a myeloblast.
- Platelets, which help with blood clotting, are formed from a stem cell called a megakaryocyte.
The entire process of blood cell formation is continuous and ensures that there's a constant supply of healthy blood cells to meet the body's demands.
