A stem cell is a special cell, primarily produced by bone marrow, that has the unique ability to develop into various types of blood cells.
Here's a breakdown:
-
Stem cells reside mainly in the bone marrow, a spongy tissue located within certain bones.
-
Their primary function is to differentiate into different kinds of blood cells.
-
The reference states that they can become the following blood cell types:
-
Red blood cells: These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
-
Other blood cell types not mentioned in the provided reference, but which stem cells can differentiate into, include:
- White blood cells (various types for immune function)
- Platelets (for blood clotting)
-
In essence, stem cells act as the body's raw material for creating new blood cells, playing a vital role in maintaining overall health and repairing tissue.
