Haematology
Haematology is the area of medicine dealing with diseases of the blood.
The blood system is complex. It has important transport functions, delivering nutrients, oxygen and other essential substances as well as hormones and other signal substances to cells in almost every part of the body, and transporting waste products away from those cells. White blood cells have an important role for the immune system, protecting against foreign threats such as bacteria and other infectious agents. The blood system thus has a central role in the body, working together with many other systems.
The area of haematology covers a wide range of diseases and problems, including those involving red and white blood cells, coagulation and platelets, and bone marrow. Some diseases of the blood are malignant, involving cancer, while others are benign.