Pluripotent stem cell

Definition

A pluripotent stem cell is a type of cell that has the potential to differentiate into any of the three germ layers: endoderm (internal body structures), mesoderm (middle layer structures such as muscle, bone, and blood vessels), or ectoderm (external body structures). These cells can give rise to virtually any type of cell in the body, including those required for the formation of blood elements.

Related terms

Hematopoiesis:

The process by which all the cellular components of blood are produced from stem cells in the bone marrow.

Erythropoiesis:

The specific production process of red blood cells initiated by erythropoietin.

Leukopoiesis: The production process of white blood cells which are crucial for the immune response