MCQ Detailed View

Red blood corpuscles (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are produced mainly in the bone marrow, specifically the red bone marrow found inside certain bones. The process of RBC formation is called erythropoiesis. In adults, RBC production primarily occurs in flat bones such as the sternum, ribs, skull, pelvis, and in the ends of long bones like the femur and humerus.

The bone marrow contains hematopoietic stem cells, which divide and mature into different types of blood cells, including RBCs. The production of RBCs is regulated by a hormone called erythropoietin, which is mainly secreted by the kidneys when oxygen levels in the blood are low. This ensures that the body always maintains an adequate supply of RBCs to meet oxygen demands.Functions of RBCs:

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  Transporting oxygen: Hemoglobin in RBCs binds oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to tissues.

  
  


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  Carrying carbon dioxide: Helps remove carbon dioxide from tissues and transport it back to the lungs.

  
  


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  Maintaining pH balance: Plays a role in regulating blood acidity.

  
  

Explanation of other options:

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  Liver: Produces some blood cells during early fetal development but not in adults.

  
  


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  Kidneys: Release erythropoietin to stimulate RBC production but do not produce RBCs themselves.

  
  


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  Heart: Pumps blood but does not create blood cells.

  
  

On average, the human body produces about 2 million new RBCs per second, and each RBC has a lifespan of approximately 120 days before being broken down in the liver and spleen.

In conclusion, red blood corpuscles are formed in the bone marrow, making option B (Bone marrow) the correct answer for this biology MCQ.