Comprehensive Lecture & Textbook
Notes on Anemia and Related | 2026
Update with complete solutions William
Paterson University.
I. Definition of Anemia
Anemia = Decreased hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), or RBC count
resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
Clinical Consequence:
➡ Tissue hypoxia
➡ Compensatory tachycardia
➡ Fatigue, dyspnea, pallor
II. Normal RBC Physiology
RBC Production (Erythropoiesis)
Occurs in bone marrow
Stimulated by erythropoietin (EPO) from kidneys
Requires:
o Iron
o Vitamin B12
o Folate
o Amino acids
RBC Lifespan:
, ~120 days
Removed by spleen
III. Classification of Anemia
Anemia is classified by MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)