What is the role of red blood cells?

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, have the primary role of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs of the body. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen, allowing them to carry it efficiently through the bloodstream. When red blood cells reach tissues, they release the oxygen, which is then used for cellular respiration, a process crucial for energy production in cells.

In addition to transporting oxygen, red blood cells also play a minor role in transporting carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, back to the lungs for exhalation. However, their main function is the delivery of oxygen, which is essential for the maintenance of life and overall metabolic processes. This distinguishes red blood cells from other components of blood, such as white blood cells, which are involved in immune response, and platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.