At high altitude, the RBCs in the human blood will
Correct answer: A. Increase in number
- A. Increase in number
- B. Decrease in number
- C. Increase in size
- D. Decrease in size
Explanation
All options are explained below: a)Increase in number (Correct Option): This statement is accurate. At high altitudes, where the oxygen concentration in the air is lower, the body's response includes an increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs). This is known as polycythemia. It's an adaptive mechanism to improve oxygen-carrying capacity, helping to transport more oxygen to body tissues. B) Decrease in number:This statement is not accurate. Under hypoxic (low-oxygen) conditions at high altitudes, the number of RBCs tends to increase rather than decrease. This is the body's way of compensating for reduced oxygen availability. C) Increase in size: This statement is not accurate. RBCs don't typically increase in size at high altitudes. The change primarily involves an increase in their number, as mentioned in option A. D) Decrease in size:This statement is not accurate. RBCs do not decrease in size at high altitudes. The primary adaptation involves increasing their number to enhance oxygen transport. Summary: At high altitudes, the RBCs in the human blood increase in number as an adaptive response to the lower oxygen levels in the environment. This increase in RBC count is beneficial for improving the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, allowing the body to transport more oxygen to essential tissues and organs.
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About Respiration
The human respiratory system includes the air passages, lungs, alveoli and breathing muscles, while gaseous exchange explains how oxygen enters blood and carbon dioxide leaves it by diffusion. The effects of smoking include damage to cilia and alveoli, reduced gas exchange, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and increased risk of lung cancer.
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