\begin{tabular}{l} Question 43 \\ The term erythrocytopenia means: \\ \begin{tabular}{l} (A) Deficiency of red blood cells \\ (B) An excessive number of red blood cells \\ (C) Abnormally small red blood cells \\ (D) Abnormally shaped red blood cells \\ \\ \\ \hline\end{tabular} \\ \hline\end{tabular}

To solve the question regarding the term "erythrocytopenia," we need to break down the term into its components: 1. **Erythrocyte**: This refers to red blood cells. 2. **Penia**: This suffix means deficiency or lack of something. Putting these components together, "erythrocytopenia" literally translates to a deficiency of red blood cells. Now, let's evaluate the options provided: - (A) Deficiency of red blood cells: This matches our breakdown of the term. - (B) An excessive number of red blood cells: This is the opposite of what "penia" indicates. - (C) Abnormally small red blood cells: This describes a different condition, not a deficiency. - (D) Abnormally shaped red blood cells: This also describes a different condition, not a deficiency. Based on this analysis, the correct answer is: **(A) Deficiency of red blood cells.**