RBC

RBC or Red Blood Cells, also known as erythrocytes, are the most common type of blood cell and the principal means of delivering oxygen (O2) to the body tissues via the blood flow through the circulatory system. They take up oxygen in the lungs or gills and release it while squeezing through the body's capillaries.

Structure

The cytoplasm of erythrocytes is rich in hemoglobin, an iron-containing biomolecule that can bind oxygen and is responsible for the red color of the cells. The cell membrane is composed of proteins and lipids, and this structure provides properties essential for physiological cell function such as deformability and stability while traversing the circulatory system.

Function

The primary function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen to body cells and tissues. In addition to carrying oxygen, red blood cells also carry some of the waste product carbon dioxide away from the cells and tissues.

Production

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream when they are, or nearly are, mature. The production is regulated by the hormone erythropoietin (EPO).

Disorders

There are several disorders that affect the red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells to meet its needs. Other disorders, such as sickle cell disease, can lead to a variety of health problems including pain, infections, and stroke.

See also

• Hemoglobin
• Anemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Erythropoietin

RBC Resources
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