What describes the lack of red blood cells that leads to decreased oxygen transport?

Anemia is characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, which directly impacts the blood's capacity to transport oxygen throughout the body. This condition can occur due to various factors, such as inadequate production of red blood cells, increased destruction of these cells, or loss of blood. When there are insufficient red blood cells, the tissues and organs do not receive adequate oxygen, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

In contrast, other options describe different medical conditions:

• Primary anemia refers specifically to a category of anemia that may have distinct underlying causes but does not encompass the broader definition of anemia itself.

• Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells and is not primarily defined by a lack of red blood cells.

• Pneumoconiosis is a respiratory condition caused by the inhalation of various types of dust, which affects lung function rather than directly leading to a deficiency in red blood cells.

Therefore, anemia is the most accurate term that describes the condition of having a reduced amount of red blood cells and the resultant decrease in oxygen transport capacity in the body.