Final answer:
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a protein hormone secreted by the kidneys to stimulate the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, in response to low oxygen levels. It helps maintain the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone responsible for stimulating the production of more red blood cells is called erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is a protein hormone that is secreted by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels. Once released, erythropoietin acts on the bone marrow, prompting it to create more red blood cells. This process, known as erythropoiesis, is essential for maintaining the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, especially in situations where the body's demand for oxygen increases, such as high altitude, exercise, or in cases where red blood cell counts are low due to bleeding, disease, malnutrition, or renal failure.
When the kidneys detect that they are not receiving sufficient oxygen, they produce EPO to signal the bone marrow to increase red blood cell formation. This mechanism is the body's natural way to ensure adequate oxygen transport throughout the bloodstream to the tissues. If the kidneys fail and cannot produce enough EPO, as in the case of end-stage kidney disease, patients may experience anemia and may require treatments such as synthetic EPO administration or blood transfusions.