Lymphopoiesis
Lymphopoiesis (lĭm'fō-poi-ē'sĭs) (or lymphocytopoiesis) is the generation of lymphocytes, one of the five types of white blood cells (WBCs). It is more formally known as lymphoid hematopoiesis.
Disruption in lymphopoiesis can lead to a number of lymphoproliferative disorders, such as lymphomas and lymphoid leukemias.
| Lymphopoiesis Glossary |
|---|
| • antigen any molecule that can provoke an immune defense |
| • B cells lymphocytes that ultimately produce antibodies |
| • bone marrow the center of bones capable of producing all red and white blood cells in the adult |
| • cortex the outer portion of any organ |
| • cytoplasm the portion of a cell between the nucleus and the membrane |
| • differentiation permanent changes to a cell developing over time and with cell division |
| • granules grains found in many white blood cells, composed of defensive chemicals |
| • hematopoietic that which gives rise to any blood cell type |
| • lineage a type of cell and its descendants by division and differentiation |
| • lymphocytes a special 'lineage' of WBC |
| • macrophages myeloid descendants (some may be lymphoid) with 'eating' abilities, also cooperate with lymphocytes |
| • myeloid ancestors of WBCs with granules and also of macrophages |
| • T Cells "management" lymphocytes for immunity |
| • (WBC) White Blood Cell in contrast to the much more common Red Blood Cell; responsible for defense |