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Where are hematopoietic stem cells found in the human body?
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regenerative medicine
A scientist conducting research on stem cells.
In the context of regenerative medicine, hematopoietic stem cells are primarily found in the bone marrow, which serves as the main site for blood cell formation in adults.123
While bone marrow is the primary reservoir, these stem cells are also located in other areas of the body:
- Umbilical cord blood: A source where these cells are found in larger numbers.1
- Peripheral blood: They are present in small numbers within the circulating bloodstream.1
In adults, hematopoietic bone marrow is concentrated in specific central bones, including the ribs, sternum, vertebrae, and pelvic bones. Within the marrow, these stem cells are anchored to osteoblasts and blood vessels, where they generate the various cell types of the blood and immune system.231