Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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
Hematopoietic stem cells are found primarily in the bone marrow but also circulate in peripheral blood.
These stem cells can differentiate into both myeloid (e.g., red blood cells, platelets) and lymphoid (e.g., T cells, B cells) lineages.
They are essential for adaptive immunity as they give rise to lymphocytes, which are key players in specific immune responses.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a common treatment for various hematologic diseases and some autoimmune disorders.
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
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.