This site is intended for healthcare professionals

CPD
CPD
Pro
Pro
Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Erythropoiesis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Erythropoiesis is the process of erythrocyte - red blood cell - production. All erythrocytes are derived from the division and differentiation of a common stem cell precursor.

The site of erythropoiesis varies with developmental stage:

  • embryo (2.5mm): blood islands of yolk sac
  • embryo (5-7mm): liver and spleen
  • fetus (20 weeks): bone marrow takes over
  • prepuberty: medullary marrow of all bones
  • postpuberty: fatty yellow marrow replaces red marrow from the peripheries of bones
  • adult: erythropoiesis only in ribs, sternum, vertebrae, shoulder girdle, proximal femur and tibia

If the adult is chronically stressed, the sites of erythropoiesis may re-extend to involve both liver and spleen.

There are a number of factors controlling erythropoiesis. Erythropoietin is the key hormone.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.