Physiology · Urinary System · Medium
Erythropoietin
Meaning: A hormone made mainly by the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
In practice: Patients with chronic kidney disease may need injections of erythropoietin to treat anaemia.
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
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Which word means: Peptide hormone that constricts blood vessels and stimulates aldosterone release.
Answer: Angiotensin
Which word means: A hormone made by pancreatic alpha cells that raises blood sugar by triggering the liver to release stored fuel.
Answer: Glucagon
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