What cell type is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood?

The cell type that is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood is red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes. These specialized cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and transports them to tissues and organs throughout the body. The structure of red blood cells allows them to be highly efficient in this task; they have a biconcave shape which increases their surface area for oxygen absorption and enables them to easily navigate through blood vessels.

In contrast, platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing, while white blood cells are primarily involved in the immune response, helping the body fight infections and foreign invaders. Plasma cells, derived from B cells, are responsible for producing antibodies. Hence, while all these cell types have important functions in the body, red blood cells are specifically designed for transporting oxygen.