alleryStart learning →Why does moving to a high altitude raise EPO production?
AHigher altitude raises plasma osmolarity sharply
BLower oxygen pressure calls for more red cells
CColder air slows the breakdown of old red cells
DThinner air raises the filtration rate at altitude
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Lower oxygen pressure calls for more red cells
1. At altitude the partial pressure of oxygen is lower.
2. Less pressure is available to push oxygen across the alveolar membrane into the red cell.
3. The body compensates by making more red cells, which means raising EPO production.
4. Starting aerobic exercise or losing erythrocytes to bleeding raises EPO by the same logic of oxygen demand.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 25 "The Urinary System", section 25.10 The Urinary System and Homeostasis_
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