Dictionary > Granulopoiesis

Granulopoiesis

Definition
noun
The hematopoiesis of granulocytes
Supplement
Hematopoiesis is the process of forming new blood cellular elements in vertebrates. The process starts at the stem cells becoming committed progenitor cells that eventually develop into fully mature differentiated cells in blood. In humans, the cellular elements of the blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, and thrombocytes. These cells are all derived from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These have the ability to give rise to different mature blood cell types, such as erythrocytes, T cells, B cells, granulocytes, megakaryocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Granulopoiesis, in particular, is hematopoiesis that leads to the formation of granulocytes. It occurs chiefly within the bone marrow. In this regard, below is the series of stages in granulopoiesis:
(1) A hemocytoblast gives rise to common myeloid progenitor cells (CMP).
(2) The CMP give rise to CFU-GM (i.e. the colony forming unit that leads to the formation of granulocytes and monocytes).
(3) Some of the CFU-GM develop into CFU-Gs (i.e. the colony forming unit that leads particularly to the formation of granulocytes).
(4) The CFU-G develop into myeloblasts.
(5) The myeloblasts develop into promyelocytes.
(6) The promyelocytes develop into myelocytes.
(7) The myelocytes develop into metamyelocytes.
(8) The metamyelocytes develop into band cells.
(9) The band cells mature into granulocytes, particularly polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Granulocytes are white blood cells characterized by the presence of cytoplasmic granules as opposed to agranulocytes that seem to lack them. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes and mast cells are examples of granulocytes. The mast cell, though, do not come from the same granulocytic lineage. They arise from the common myeloid progenitor cell without going through the various developmental stages in the granulocytic series.
In humans, the polymorphonuclear leukocytes are classified into eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils (according to the staining properties of the granules using a Romanovsky type stain).
Word origin: granulo– < granulocyte + Greek poiÄ“sis, creation, from poiein, to make
Synonym(s):

  • granulocytopoiesis

See also:

  • hematopoiesis
  • granulocyte
  • Related form(s):

    • granulopoietic (adjective)


    You will also like...

    kinesin motor proteins transporting molecules across microtubules
    Movement of Molecules Across Cell Membranes

    Molecules move within the cell or from one cell to another through different strategies. Transport may be in the form of..

    An artist depiction of a Precambrian multicellular life form.
    The Evolution of Cell Organelles

    The nucleus containing the genetic material, DNA, and the mitochondria, well-identified as the "powerhouse of the cell",..

    Selective Breeding
    Selective Breeding

    Gregor Mendel's studies into Monohybrid and Dihybrid crossing and Charles Darwin's study of evolution and natural select..

    Non-Mendelian Inheritance
    Non-Mendelian Inheritance

    In this tutorial, find out more about certain types of inheritance that does not follow the Mendelian inheritance patter..

    Muscle
    Muscle

    Muscle cells are specialized to generate force and movement. Learn about the different types of muscle tissues in this t..

    Human Neurology
    Human Neurology

    Human Neurology deals essentially with the nervous system of humans. It also features the various theories put forward b..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics