n.
the process of production of blood cells and platelets which continues throughout life, replacing aged cells (which are removed from the circulation). In healthy adults, haemopoiesis is confined to the bone marrow, but in embryonic life and in early infancy, as well as in certain diseases, it may occur in other sites (extramedullary haemopoiesis). See also erythropoiesis, leucopoiesis, thrombopoiesis.
• haemopoietic adj.
Medical dictionary. 2011.