What does hematopoiesis mean?
Hematopoiesis is the biological process of producing blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In adults, it takes place mainly in the bone marrow, where specialized cells continually replace blood cells that have aged or been damaged. The term is especially common in medicine and biology, including discussions of anemia, leukemia, chemotherapy, transplantation, and bone-marrow disorders. Although it may sound highly technical, hematopoiesis describes an essential everyday process: without the regulated production of new blood cells, the body cannot maintain oxygen transport, immune defense, or normal blood clotting. Its spelling varies by region, with hematopoiesis generally used in American English and haematopoiesis in British English. The related adjective hematopoietic refers specifically to the formation or support of blood cells.
nounThe formation of blood cells, especially in the bone marrow. The process produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- The biological process of producing blood cells.
"The treatment was designed to improve hematopoiesis in patients with impaired bone marrow function."
"The researchers examined how chemotherapy affects hematopoiesis in the bone marrow."
"Fetal hematopoiesis occurs primarily in the liver and spleen before the bone marrow becomes the main site of blood-cell production."
The plural is used chiefly in scientific and medical writing.
"The study compared hematopoieses before and after treatment."
Every second, your bone marrow carries out a hidden mass-production operation, continually replacing worn-out blood cells.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hematopoiesis come from?
Hematopoiesis combines the Greek roots haima, meaning “blood,” and poiesis, meaning “making” or “formation.” The word entered medical usage in the 19th century and became established in discussions of blood formation, especially in the bone marrow. English relatives built on the same blood root include hematology, hemolysis, hematoma, and hemoglobin.
Related word forms
How hematopoiesis is actually used
A specialized medical and biological term, most often used in clinical, research, or academic contexts. The spelling hematopoiesis is common in American usage, while haematopoiesis is the usual British variant.
Easily confused with hematopoiesis
Hematopoiesis is the production of blood cells, whereas hemolysis is the destruction or breakdown of red blood cells.