Physiology · Haematological System · Medium

Erythropoiesis

Meaning: The production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, driven by a kidney hormone.

In practice: Living at altitude stimulates erythropoiesis to compensate for lower oxygen.

Word parts

  • erythro- means red

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related physiology words.

Which word means: The force or strength of heart muscle contraction.

Which word means: The final maturation of sperm in the female tract that enables them to fertilise an egg.

Words like erythropoiesis come up in the daily game

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.

Related words

More physiology terms · All medical words