What is the cause of polycythemia in the fetus?
A)Fetal hemoglobin has a greater affinity for oxygen as a result of diphosphoglycerate (DPG).
B)The fetus has a different hemoglobin structure of two a- and two g-chains rather than two a-and two b-chains.
C)Increased erythropoiesis occurs in response to the hypoxic intrauterine environment.
D)The lungs of the fetus are undeveloped and unable to diffuse oxygen adequately to the pulmonary capillaries.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypoxic intrauterine environment stimulates erythropoietin production in the fetus. Fetal polycythemia is not the result of hemoglobin having greater affinity for oxygen, different hemoglobin structure, or undeveloped lungs.

What Is the Cause of Polycythemia in the Fetus