________ is a condition in which chronic low levels of oxygen (due to lung disease or living in high altitudes) cause the body to produce more than normal amounts of erythrocytes to transport more efficiently the smaller amounts of available oxygen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This describes the condition of secondary polycythemia, in which the body produces more erythrocytes in response to chronic low levels of oxygen. Primary polycythemia is a rare genetic condition in which the body produces too many erythrocytes independent of oxygen levels, and erythrocytopenia refers to a decrease in the number of erythrocytes rather than an increase. There is no such thing as primary erythrocytopenia or secondary erythrocytopenia.

________ Is a Condition in Which Chronic Low Levels of Oxygen