Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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Which term refers to the bursting of an erythrocyte?

Hemorrhage
Hemolysis
Erythropoiesis
Homeostasis

The correct answer is: Hemolysis

The term that refers to the bursting or destruction of an erythrocyte (red blood cell) is hemolysis. This process can occur due to various factors, such as infection, autoimmune reactions, or exposure to certain toxins. During hemolysis, the integrity of the erythrocyte membrane is compromised, leading to the release of hemoglobin and other cellular components into the bloodstream. Hemorrhage relates to the loss of blood from the circulatory system, typically due to injury or rupture of blood vessels, and does not specifically refer to the breaking down of red blood cells. Erythropoiesis refers to the process of producing new red blood cells from progenitor cells in the bone marrow, a vital function for maintaining adequate levels of erythrocytes in circulation. Homeostasis involves the processes that maintain stable internal conditions within the body, such as temperature and pH, rather than the specific breakdown of individual cells. Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial in the field of medical laboratory science, particularly in hematology.