What is the primary function of red blood cells?

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

• A. Fighting infection
• B. Transporting oxygen throughout the body
• C. Regulating body temperature
• D. Clotting blood

Answer: (B)

The primary function of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, is to transport oxygen throughout the body. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues and organs where it is needed for energy production and metabolic processes. The efficient transport of oxygen is crucial for all cellular functions, as oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration, which produces the energy currency of the cell, ATP. In addition to oxygen transport, red blood cells also play a minor role in carbon dioxide transport from tissues back to the lungs for exhalation. This dual role is vital for maintaining proper respiratory function and acid-base balance in the body. Thus, the primary function of red blood cells is closely tied to the physiological demands of the body, making their role in oxygen transport fundamental to overall health and vitality.

The primary function of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, is to transport oxygen throughout the body. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues and organs where it is needed for energy production and metabolic processes. The efficient transport of oxygen is crucial for all cellular functions, as oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration, which produces the energy currency of the cell, ATP.

In addition to oxygen transport, red blood cells also play a minor role in carbon dioxide transport from tissues back to the lungs for exhalation. This dual role is vital for maintaining proper respiratory function and acid-base balance in the body. Thus, the primary function of red blood cells is closely tied to the physiological demands of the body, making their role in oxygen transport fundamental to overall health and vitality.