Anemia classification
Anemia denotes hemoglobin below an appropriate reference threshold for age, sex, pregnancy status and other context. Classification begins with red-cell size and underlying mechanism.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Anemia classification — learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal schematic relationship map for this topic; relationships are organized for study, not intended as an anatomical depiction or a diagnostic algorithm.
MCV framework
Mean corpuscular volume groups anemia by average erythrocyte size; each group has multiple possible causes and mixed disorders can obscure the pattern.
Production versus loss
A reticulocyte response helps assess whether marrow production is appropriate relative to anemia; bleeding and hemolysis may provoke a rise when marrow function and substrates permit.
Iron and nutrition
Iron deficiency often causes microcytosis. Deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate can cause impaired DNA synthesis and macrocytic erythropoiesis.
Hemolysis and chronic disease
Premature red-cell destruction, inflammation, kidney disease and marrow disorders can cause anemia with differing laboratory patterns.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.