Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs). Normal RBC lifespan is about 120 days. Excessive hemolysis can lead to hemolytic anemia
Blood stem cells produce billions of new blood cells daily. Stem cells constantly divide and replace worn-out blood cells. Cancer treatments can destroy stem cells, requiring transplantation
Bone marrow is spongy tissue located in bone centers. Contains red and yellow bone marrow types. Produces over 200 billion new blood cells daily
EMH occurs outside bone marrow medulla during embryonic and fetal development. Primitive hematopoiesis occurs in yolk sac during early embryonic development. Definitive hematopoiesis produces hematopoietic stem cells in AGM region. Fetal hematopoiesis primarily occurs in liver and spleen
Granulocytes are innate immune cells with specific cytoplasmic granules. There are four types: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells. Neutrophils are most abundant, constituting 60-65% of circulating WBCs
RBCs are biconcave discs measuring 7.2-7.9 μm in diameter. They contain pinkish cytoplasm and central pallor 1/3 cell size. RBCs are slightly smaller than small lymphocytes