Equine Physiology Workbook

In order to form blood cells, pluripotent stem cells in red bone marrow produce 2 further types of stem cells which have the capacity to develop into several types of cells: 1) Myeloid Stem Cells : start in red bone marrow and give rise to RBCs, platelets, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. 2) Lymphoid Stem Cells : start in red bone marrow BUT complete their process in lymphatic tissues; and give rise to lymphocytes.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

RBCs enters circulation @ ~ 2 million per second to balance the rate of RBC destruction.

RBC Anatomy

 Contains oxygen-carrying protein Hemoglobin (~ 280 million per RBC)  Biconcave discs = greater surface area  Flexible and strong plasma membrane allowing for squeezing in tight spaces  No nucleus or organelles = no reproduction or metabolic activities  No MHC Antigens  Horse: 7 – 12 million cells per µL of blood

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