Red blood cell production is primarily signaled by a specific hormone.
The Signal for Red Blood Cell Production
The body's production of red blood cells is not spontaneous; it is a regulated process. Based on the information provided:
A hormone called erythropoietin (epo) made in your kidneys signals your bone marrow to make more red blood cells.
This means that the kidneys detect when the body needs more oxygen-carrying capacity and release erythropoietin (EPO). EPO then travels to the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside bones, and acts as a signal, prompting the bone marrow to increase its production of red blood cells.
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen. Hemoglobin is also what gives red blood cells their characteristic color. While hemoglobin is a crucial component inside red blood cells and contributes to their function and appearance, it is the hormone erythropoietin that signals their production.
