What is the primary role of red blood cells?

The primary role of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. When red blood cells pass through the lungs, they pick up oxygen and carry it through the bloodstream to the cells and organs that need it for metabolic processes. This oxygen transport is crucial for cellular respiration, where cells produce energy.

Additionally, red blood cells help remove carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, by carrying it back to the lungs for exhalation. This dual role of enhancing oxygen delivery while facilitating carbon dioxide removal is vital for maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Each red blood cell is uniquely structured to maximize its oxygen-carrying capability, including its biconcave shape that increases surface area and flexibility, allowing efficient gas exchange as they navigate through blood vessels.