- Blood cells begin as early (immature) cells called stem cells
and blasts.
- Most blood cells mature (grow) in the bone marrow into different
types of blood cells. Bone marrow is the soft material inside most
bones.
- Red blood cells (RBC) contain hemoglobin and carry
oxygen to all cells of the body.
- Platelets help blood to clot and prevent bleeding.
- White blood cells (WBC) help the body fight infection
and other diseases. WBC’s circulate in both the bloodstream
and the lymph fluid.
- There are different types of White Blood
Cells with different functions, such as lymphocytes, neutrophils,
and others. T-cells and
B-cells are types of lymphocytes.
- Hematologic cancers usually
affect the white blood cells. Abnormal
blood cells may be found in the bone marrow or in the lymph
nodes and lymph tissue where WBCs flow.
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