What is the Role of Reticulocytes in Erythropoiesis?
Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell production. Reticulocytes are the immediate precursors to mature erythrocytes. After being released from the bone marrow, reticulocytes typically spend 1-2 days in the circulation before maturing fully. During this time, they lose their remaining RNA and organelles, becoming the biconcave, anucleate cells characteristic of mature erythrocytes.