Chapter 10, Problem 1MC

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

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

When oxygen level decreases in the blood, kidney produces a hormone named as erythropoietin that causes the stimulation of the bone marrow to produce more RBCs (red blood corpuscles). This process is known as erythropoiesis.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

Chronic bleeding ulcer, reduction in respiratory ventilation, and reduced blood flow to the kidney lead to increased erythropoiesis.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for correct answers:

Option (a) is given as a chronic bleeding ulcer. Discontinuity or break in the membrane of an organ that prevents the organ from carrying out its normal function is known as an ulcer. After some time an untreated ulcer may transform into a chronic bleeding ulcer. An excessive loss of the blood leads to decrease in the oxygen level and this event triggers erythropoiesis. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Option (b) is given as a reduction in the respiratory ventilation. Reduction in the respiratory ventilation leads to lower oxygen level in the body that stimulates erythropoiesis, which increases the RBC count in the blood. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Option (d) is given as reduced blood flow to the kidneys. When blood flow reduces in the kidneys, it indicates low RBC count as well as low oxygen level in the body. To compensate for the normal oxygen transmission in the body, kidney produces a hormone called erythropoietin that induces the RBC production by stimulating the bone marrow. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answer:

Option (c) is given as decreased level of physical activity. During a physical activity, the body uses more oxygen to produce energy. This decreases the oxygen level in the blood and increases the production (erythropoiesis) of the RBCs in the body. A decreased level of physical activity has sufficient oxygen for energy purposes and does not induce erythropoiesis. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, option (c) is incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, increased erythropoiesis is the result of chronic bleeding ulcer, reduction in the respiratory ventilation, and reduced blood flow to the kidneys.