Erythropoesis Flashcards
What is the primary hormone that regulates red blood cell production?
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin is produced mainly by the kidney.
What is the main stimulus for increased erythropoiesis?
Hypoxia
Hypoxia refers to a deficient oxygen supply to body cells.
What conditions can lead to hypoxia?
- Reduced oxygen-carrying power of blood due to hemorrhage
- Excessive erythrocyte breakdown (haemolysis) due to disease
- Reduced oxygen tension in the air, such as at high altitudes
These conditions can decrease the oxygen available to body tissues.
How does hypoxia affect erythropoietin production?
It stimulates an increase in erythropoietin production
Erythropoietin then promotes erythrocyte formation.
What does erythropoietin stimulate in terms of red blood cell production?
- Increased production of proerythroblasts
- Release of increased numbers of reticulocytes into the blood
- Speeding up reticulocyte maturation
These changes enhance the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
What happens to erythropoietin production when tissue hypoxia is overcome?
Erythropoietin production declines
This indicates a return to homeostasis.
True or False: Low levels of erythropoietin can lead to anemia even in the presence of hypoxia.
True
Anemia is the inability of the blood to carry adequate oxygen for body needs.
Fill in the blank: The bone marrow produces erythrocytes at the rate at which they are _______.
destroyed
This is part of the homeostatic negative feedback mechanism.
What is the consequence of low erythropoietin levels?
Red cell formation does not take place
This can lead to the development of anemia.
What role does erythropoietin play in normal physiology outside of hypoxia?
It regulates normal red cell replacement
This function is crucial for maintaining healthy levels of red blood cells.
