A reduction in the blood's ability to carry oxygen due to a lack of red blood cells or haemoglobin is called what?

Prepare for the ITEC Level 2 Diploma in Beauty. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Master your exam!

Multiple Choice

A reduction in the blood's ability to carry oxygen due to a lack of red blood cells or haemoglobin is called what?

The key idea is how oxygen is carried in the blood. Oxygen is transported by red blood cells that contain haemoglobin; when there aren’t enough red blood cells or the haemoglobin level is low, the blood can’t carry as much oxygen as it should, which is known as anaemia. Leukaemia is a cancer involving white blood cells, which can disrupt blood cell production but is not defined by a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Polycythemia is the opposite situation—too many red blood cells—leading to thicker blood rather than impaired oxygen transport. Thrombocytopenia means a low platelet count, affecting clotting, not oxygen delivery. So the description fits anaemia, the condition of reduced oxygen-carrying capability of the blood.

The key idea is how oxygen is carried in the blood. Oxygen is transported by red blood cells that contain haemoglobin; when there aren’t enough red blood cells or the haemoglobin level is low, the blood can’t carry as much oxygen as it should, which is known as anaemia. Leukaemia is a cancer involving white blood cells, which can disrupt blood cell production but is not defined by a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Polycythemia is the opposite situation—too many red blood cells—leading to thicker blood rather than impaired oxygen transport. Thrombocytopenia means a low platelet count, affecting clotting, not oxygen delivery. So the description fits anaemia, the condition of reduced oxygen-carrying capability of the blood.

More practice questions