Question

Erythropoietin hormone which stimulates R.B.C. formation is produced by

• A. Juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney
• B. Alpha cells of pancreas
• C. The cells of rostral adenohypophysis
• D. The cells of bone marrow

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Erythropoietin is a crucial hormone responsible for the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. Understanding its production and mechanism is fundamental for biology students, particularly in the context of human physiology.

Explanation:

1. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone primarily involved in erythropoiesis, which is the production of red blood cells.

2. The stimulus for erythropoietin production is usually a low oxygen level in the blood (hypoxia). This imbalance is detected by the kidneys.

3. The hormone is mostly produced by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney. These cells are situated near the glomeruli in the renal cortex.

4. Once released, erythropoietin travels through the bloodstream to the bone marrow, where it stimulates the stem cells to produce more red blood cells, thereby increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Conclusion:

The correct answer is: Juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney. These cells are responsible for the production of erythropoietin, reacting primarily to decreased oxygen levels in the blood.

Rationale for ruling out incorrect options:

• Alpha cells of pancreas: These cells produce glucagon, a hormone involved in glucose metabolism, not erythropoietin.
• The cells of rostral adenohypophysis: Also known as the anterior pituitary, this gland produces various hormones like growth hormone, but not erythropoietin.
• The cells of bone marrow: While the bone marrow is the site of action for EPO where red blood cells are actually produced, it does not produce erythropoietin itself.