Question

The abnormal increase in the total RBC count in cubic millimeter is referred to as
A. Pneumonia
B. Polycythemia
C. Leucopenia
D. Anemia

Answer 1

Hint: RBC is an important cellular part of blood. It carries haemoglobin which transports oxygen in the required areas. A proper total count of RBC indicates good health as an increase or decrease of this component is associated with diseases.

Complete answer: In Mammals, blood contains red blood cells (RBC) or erythrocytes, white blood cells (WBC) or leukocytes, and platelets.
Erythrocytes are biconcave cells that do not contain a nucleus i.e. it is an enucleated cell. Rather it contains the iron-containing haemoglobin protein which helps to transport oxygen.

The total count (TC) of RBC can be obtained by using a haemocytometer and a good microscope. Nowadays, other efficient techniques and technologies are used to get more accurate counts. In a normal healthy man, TC of RBC ranges from 4.7 to 6 million cells/mL; in females, it is 4.2 to 5.5 million cells/mL.
If the count increases, it indicates polycythemia.

So, the correct option is B. Polycythemia

Note: A decrease in the RBC count indicates erythrocytopenia. The other options are not related to TC or RBC. Pneumonia is a type of lung infection, leukopenia indicates decreased WBC and anemia is the lack of good healthy RBCs.