Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Biological Systems section of the MCAT. Review detailed explanations and interactive questions to understand complex systems. Enhance your exam readiness and aim for a high score!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary function of erythropoietin?

Stimulates platelet production
Stimulates white blood cell production
Stimulates red blood cell production
Inhibits blood clotting

The correct answer is: Stimulates red blood cell production

The primary function of erythropoietin is to stimulate red blood cell production. This glycoprotein hormone is primarily produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia). When the body senses decreased oxygen availability, erythropoietin is released into the bloodstream, where it acts on the bone marrow to encourage the differentiation and proliferation of precursor cells into mature red blood cells. This response is crucial for increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, thus helping to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body’s tissues. The mechanisms that govern this hormone's action are vital for ensuring that the body can adapt to varying levels of oxygen demand, such as during exercise or at high altitudes. Enhanced red blood cell production directly correlates with improvements in oxygen delivery throughout the body, which is why erythropoietin plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis and supporting overall health.