erytropoézu

Erytropoézu, also known as erythropoiesis, is the process by which red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are produced. This vital biological process occurs primarily in the bone marrow of adult mammals. Immature cells, called hematopoietic stem cells, differentiate into proerythroblasts, which then undergo a series of developmental stages. These stages involve changes in cell size, nucleus morphology, and the accumulation of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport.

The regulation of erythropoiesis is tightly controlled, primarily by the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is synthesized and released by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood, a condition known as hypoxia. When the kidneys detect a lack of oxygen, they increase EPO production, which then travels to the bone marrow. In the bone marrow, EPO stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid precursor cells, accelerating red blood cell production.

Other factors also play a role in erythropoiesis, including iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, which are essential for hemoglobin synthesis and cell division. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or a lower than normal amount of hemoglobin. Once mature, red blood cells are released into the bloodstream, where they circulate for approximately 120 days before being removed by the spleen and liver. The continuous production of new red blood cells through erythropoiesis ensures a sufficient oxygen supply to the body's tissues.