The type of cell that gives rise to all blood cells is called a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC).

Here's why they are so important:

* Multipotent: HSCs are multipotent, meaning they have the ability to differentiate into all the different types of blood cells, including:

* Red blood cells (erythrocytes)

* White blood cells (leukocytes)

* Platelets (thrombocytes)

* Self-renewing: HSCs can also self-renew, meaning they can create copies of themselves to maintain a pool of stem cells for future blood cell production.

This makes HSCs essential for the continuous production of blood cells throughout our lives.