In which type of hypoxia is there not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen?

Prepare for the ASU BIO202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Exam. Study with detailed questions and explanations. Master your exam material!

Anemic hypoxia occurs when there is a deficiency in the amount of hemoglobin or red blood cells in the body, resulting in an inadequate capacity to transport oxygen to tissues despite normal oxygen availability in the environment. In this type of hypoxia, conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, or other factors that reduce red blood cell production lead to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

In contrast, ischemic hypoxia is related to insufficient blood flow to tissues, which can be due to blockages or other circulatory issues. Hypoxemic hypoxia refers to low oxygen levels in the blood due to environmental factors or respiratory issues, while histotoxic hypoxia results from the inability of cells to use oxygen effectively, often due to toxins or metabolic disturbances. Thus, anemic hypoxia specifically highlights the role of red blood cell deficiency in oxygen transport.

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