What does haematopoiesis mean?
Haematopoiesis is the biological process of forming blood. More specifically, it refers to the production of the cellular components of blood—red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets—primarily within the bone marrow. Red cells transport oxygen, white cells contribute to immune defence, and platelets assist blood clotting. The process is especially important in medicine because chemotherapy, radiation, nutritional deficiencies and several blood disorders can disrupt it, potentially causing anaemia, infection or bleeding. The related adjective is haematopoietic, as in “haematopoietic stem cells,” meaning stem cells capable of giving rise to blood cells. Haematopoiesis is primarily used in clinical, laboratory and research contexts rather than everyday speech. Its interest lies in describing a continuous biological process that maintains the blood supply throughout life: without sufficient haematopoiesis, the body cannot replace the cells that are continually lost, used up or damaged.
nounThe biological process by which blood is formed, especially the production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the bone marrow.
- The formation of blood, particularly the production of blood cells in bone marrow.
"The patient's impaired haematopoiesis was treated with a drug that stimulates blood-cell production."
"Bone marrow examination revealed markedly increased haematopoiesis."
"Chemotherapy can suppress haematopoiesis and reduce the production of circulating blood cells."
The plural is grammatical but uncommon; specialist writing usually discusses the process in the singular.
"Abnormal haematopoeses were observed in both experimental groups."
The red cells that carry oxygen throughout your body are born in bone marrow—a lifelong production line called haematopoiesis.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of haematopoiesis
The word was formed in 19th-century English from Greek haima, meaning “blood”, and poiesis, meaning “making” or “formation”. Its combining form haemato- was already established in English medical vocabulary, and the suffix -poiesis was used in several terms denoting biological production. The spelling haemopoiesis also occurs, particularly in British usage, while hematopoiesis is the standard US spelling.
Related word forms
How haematopoiesis is actually used
This is a formal medical and biological term. British English commonly uses the spelling "haematopoiesis", while US English uses "hematopoiesis"; "haemopoiesis" is also an established British variant.
Easily confused with haematopoiesis
Haematopoiesis is the production of blood cells, whereas haemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells.