Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

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A decrease in white blood cells is referred to as?

Leukopenia
Anemia
Polycythemia
Leukocytosis

The correct answer is: Leukopenia

A decrease in white blood cells is referred to as leukopenia. This condition indicates that the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the bloodstream is lower than normal, which can compromise the immune system's ability to fight infections. Leukopenia can arise from various causes, including bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and infections that affect the bone marrow. Understanding leukopenia is essential in clinical practice because a low white blood cell count can increase the risk of infections and may necessitate additional medical intervention or monitoring. The other terms listed refer to different conditions: anemia pertains to a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, polycythemia indicates an excess of red blood cells, and leukocytosis refers to an increase in white blood cells. These distinctions are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment.