Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Introduction To Blood

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Introduction To Blood

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1:54 minutes

Problem 14

Textbook Question

Describe the process of erythropoiesis
What name is given to the immature cell type released to the circulation?
How does it differ from a mature erythrocyte?

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Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell (erythrocyte) production. It begins in the bone marrow with hematopoietic stem cells differentiating into proerythroblasts. These cells undergo several stages of maturation, including basophilic erythroblasts, polychromatic erythroblasts, and orthochromatic erythroblasts, before becoming reticulocytes. The process is regulated by erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone secreted by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood.

The immature cell type released into the circulation during erythropoiesis is called a reticulocyte. Reticulocytes are the final stage of development before becoming mature erythrocytes.

Reticulocytes differ from mature erythrocytes in several ways. Reticulocytes still contain remnants of organelles, such as ribosomes and mitochondria, which are absent in mature erythrocytes. These organelles are gradually degraded as the reticulocyte matures into a fully functional erythrocyte. Additionally, reticulocytes are slightly larger and less biconcave in shape compared to mature erythrocytes.

The maturation of reticulocytes into erythrocytes occurs within 1-2 days after their release into the bloodstream. During this time, the reticulocytes lose their organelles and acquire the characteristic biconcave shape of mature erythrocytes, which optimizes their ability to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Erythropoiesis is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. Disruptions in this process can lead to conditions such as anemia, where the body has insufficient red blood cells to meet its oxygen demands.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Erythropoiesis

Erythropoiesis is the biological process through which new red blood cells (erythrocytes) are produced in the bone marrow. This process is stimulated by erythropoietin, a hormone primarily produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. Erythropoiesis involves several stages, starting from hematopoietic stem cells and progressing through various precursor cells until mature erythrocytes are formed.

Immature Erythrocyte

The immature cell type released into circulation during erythropoiesis is called a reticulocyte. Reticulocytes are young red blood cells that still contain remnants of ribosomal RNA, which can be detected using special staining techniques. They typically account for about 1-2% of the total red blood cell count in healthy individuals and indicate the bone marrow's activity in producing new erythrocytes.

Differences Between Reticulocytes and Mature Erythrocytes

Reticulocytes differ from mature erythrocytes primarily in their cellular composition and functionality. While reticulocytes still contain organelles and ribosomal RNA, mature erythrocytes are anucleate and lack these components, allowing for more space to carry hemoglobin. This structural difference enables mature erythrocytes to efficiently transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body, while reticulocytes are still maturing and developing their full functionality.