What is erythropoietin and its role in the body?

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced primarily by the kidneys that plays a crucial role in the regulation of red blood cell production, a process known as erythropoiesis. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, the kidneys release erythropoietin into the bloodstream. This hormone acts on the bone marrow, stimulating it to increase the production of red blood cells, which are essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

By enhancing the production of red blood cells, erythropoietin helps to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, which is vital for maintaining overall body function, especially in conditions that may result in anemia or decreased oxygen availability. This process helps to ensure that the body's tissues receive adequate oxygen, thus supporting metabolic activities and overall health.

Other choices, such as those suggesting erythropoietin inhibits red blood cell production or that it activates white blood cell production or regulates blood pressure, misrepresent its primary function. Erythropoietin specifically targets red blood cell formation, making choice C the accurate reflection of its role in the body.