Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What organ produces large numbers of abnormal white blood cells in leukemia?

1. Heart

2. Bone Marrow

3. Liver

4. Spleen

The correct answer is: Bone Marrow

The bone marrow is the primary organ responsible for producing large numbers of abnormal white blood cells in leukemia. In a healthy individual, the bone marrow produces a balanced number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. However, in leukemia, the production processes are disrupted. Leukemia is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of immature or abnormal white blood cells. These atypical cells can accumulate in the bone marrow, leading to overcrowding. This prevents the formation of normal blood cells and results in various symptoms, including fatigue, increased susceptibility to infections, and bleeding issues due to low platelet levels. Other organs like the heart, liver, and spleen may be affected by leukemia, but they are not the primary sites of abnormal white blood cell production. Instead, they can become involved in the disease process, leading to complications or contributing to the symptoms seen in patients. Thus, the bone marrow is clearly identified as the organ where the primary pathology of leukemia occurs, making it the correct choice in this context.