Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Introduction To Blood

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Introduction To Blood

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2:32 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.
Which would lead to increased erythropoiesis?
a. Chronic bleeding ulcer
b. Reduction in respiratory ventilation
c. Decreased level of physical activity
d. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the term 'erythropoiesis': Erythropoiesis refers to the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow, which is regulated by the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is primarily produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia).

Analyze option (a): Chronic bleeding ulcer can lead to a loss of red blood cells, causing anemia. The body compensates by increasing erythropoiesis to replenish the lost RBCs. This is a plausible cause of increased erythropoiesis.

Analyze option (b): Reduction in respiratory ventilation decreases oxygen intake, leading to hypoxia. Hypoxia stimulates the kidneys to release erythropoietin, which promotes erythropoiesis. This option is also a plausible cause.

Analyze option (c): Decreased level of physical activity typically does not lead to hypoxia or stimulate erythropoiesis. In fact, physical inactivity may reduce the body's demand for oxygen, making this option unlikely to increase erythropoiesis.

Analyze option (d): Reduced blood flow to the kidneys can impair oxygen delivery to renal tissues, causing hypoxia in the kidneys. This triggers the release of erythropoietin, leading to increased erythropoiesis. This option is a plausible cause.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Erythropoiesis

Erythropoiesis is the process of producing red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow. It is primarily regulated by erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. Factors that decrease oxygen availability, such as anemia or hypoxia, stimulate erythropoiesis to increase RBC production and improve oxygen transport.

Hypoxia

Hypoxia refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. It can occur due to various factors, including respiratory issues, reduced blood flow, or high altitudes. When the body senses low oxygen levels, it triggers mechanisms such as increased erythropoietin production to enhance erythropoiesis, thereby increasing the number of red blood cells to improve oxygen delivery.

Kidney Function and Erythropoietin

The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating erythropoiesis through the secretion of erythropoietin (EPO). When blood flow to the kidneys is reduced, or when oxygen levels are low, the kidneys respond by producing more EPO, which stimulates the bone marrow to increase red blood cell production. This feedback mechanism is vital for maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the body.