Hematopoietic stem cell

Definition

Hematopoietic stem cells are multipotent stem cells that give rise to all blood cell types, including myeloid and lymphoid lineages. They play a crucial role in the body's ability to regenerate and maintain the blood and immune systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hematopoietic stem cells are found primarily in the bone marrow but also circulate in peripheral blood.
2. These stem cells can differentiate into both myeloid (e.g., red blood cells, platelets) and lymphoid (e.g., T cells, B cells) lineages.
3. They are essential for adaptive immunity as they give rise to lymphocytes, which are key players in specific immune responses.
4. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a common treatment for various hematologic diseases and some autoimmune disorders.
5. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a potential complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation where donor immune cells attack the recipient's tissues.

Review Questions

• What types of blood cells do hematopoietic stem cells differentiate into?
• Where in the body are hematopoietic stem cells primarily located?
• What is graft-versus-host disease and how is it related to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation?

Related terms

Lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system, including T cells and B cells.

Bone Marrow: The spongy tissue inside bones where hematopoietic stem cells reside and differentiate.

Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD): A condition where transplanted donor immune cells attack the recipient's body tissues.