Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, carry oxygen to every cell in the body except for those in the outer layer of skin, and transport carbon dioxide out of cells. They are just one component of blood, which also includes leukocytes, plasma, and platelets.
An erythrocyte is the medical term for a red blood cell. “Erythro” refers to the color red and “cyte” refers to a cell. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to every cell in the body except those in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, which contains no blood vessels. Erythrocytes are also responsible for transporting carbon dioxide out of the body’s cells. If a red blood cell is viewed under high magnification, it appears red and round in shape, somewhat like a small donut, but is sunken in the middle instead of having a hole.
Without oxygen, the cells that make up the body’s tissues and organs, including the brain, cannot survive. Likewise, cells must also be constantly cleared of carbon dioxide. Although the erythrocyte is a cell itself, it is unique in that it is not only oxygenated but also has the ability to deliver oxygen to other cells to keep them alive. Carbon dioxide is a waste product that needs to be removed from the body, and the red blood cell functions to quickly transport this harmful substance away from cells. The erythrocyte, however, like other cells, has a life span, which is why there is a filtration system in the spleen that removes old blood cells from the circulation.
Many people who are not healthcare professionals may assume that red blood cells are blood or a medical term that can be used to refer to blood; however, that use of the word isn’t entirely accurate. Red blood cells are just one of four components that make up the fluid called blood. Leukocytes, plasma and platelets are the other components of blood. Leukocytes are white blood cells responsible for destroying microorganisms and producing antibodies that help the body protect itself from infection.
Plasma is a watery fluid that actually makes up more than half of the liquid most people call blood. This salty fluid is extremely important because it is the substance in which the body’s erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets are transported. Platelets are special cells enclosed by a membrane; when activated, they release chemicals involved in the formation of blood clots. Clotting is essential to prevent a person with an open wound from losing dangerously large amounts of blood, which could result in a condition known as shock or even death.
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