What is the Difference Between Myeloid and Lymphoid Cells?

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Myeloid and lymphoid cells are daughter cells of hematopoietic stem cells and belong to two main branches in the hematopoietic lineage. The main differences between myeloid and lymphoid cells are as follows:

  1. Lineage: Myeloid cells are part of the innate immune system, while lymphoid cells are part of the adaptive immune system.
  2. Cell Types: Myeloid cells give rise to various cell types, including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, erythrocytes, dendritic cells, megakaryocytes, and platelets. Lymphoid cells, on the other hand, give rise to lymphocytes (T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes) and natural killer cells.
  3. Maturation: Myeloid cells can mature in the bone marrow environment, whereas lymphoid cells require maturation outside the bone marrow.
  4. Progenitor Cells: Myeloid cells originate from common myeloid progenitors (CMPs), which can give rise to all classes of myeloid cells. Lymphoid cells originate from common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), which can differentiate into all types of lymphocytes.
  5. Function: Myeloid cells are involved in various immune functions, including phagocytosis, cytokine production, and blood cell production. Lymphoid cells, specifically T and B lymphocytes, play a crucial role in the specific identification of foreign molecules and cells.

Comparative Table: Myeloid vs Lymphoid Cells

Myeloid and lymphoid cells are daughter cells of hematopoietic stem cells and are involved in the immune system. They have distinct differences in the types of cells they give rise to. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature Myeloid Cells Lymphoid Cells
Origin Bone marrow Bone marrow
Cell Types Monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, erythrocytes, dendritic cells, megakaryocytes, and platelets Lymphocytes (T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes) and natural killer cells
Function Myeloid stem cells give rise to all other blood cells, including red blood cells Lymphoid stem cells specifically identify foreign molecules and cells

Myeloid cells produce various blood cells, including red blood cells, while lymphoid cells give rise to lymphocytes, which play a role in identifying and responding to foreign molecules and cells.