What is the primary function of red blood cells (RBCs)?

What is the primary function of red blood cells (RBCs)?

• A. To transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues
• B. To aid in the clotting process
• C. To remove waste products from the blood
• D. To protect the body from infections

Answer: (A)

The primary function of red blood cells (RBCs) is to transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. This process is essential for maintaining the metabolic functions of cells, as oxygen is crucial for cellular respiration, which produces energy. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a specialized protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues where it is needed. While other functions are important in the body, such as clotting (which is primarily the role of platelets), waste removal (mainly handled by the kidneys and liver), and protection against infections (which is the responsibility of white blood cells), these processes are not the primary roles of red blood cells. The transportation of oxygen is fundamental to the overall health and functionality of all tissues in the body, highlighting the critical nature of RBCs in maintaining homeostasis.

The primary function of red blood cells (RBCs) is to transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. This process is essential for maintaining the metabolic functions of cells, as oxygen is crucial for cellular respiration, which produces energy. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a specialized protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues where it is needed.

While other functions are important in the body, such as clotting (which is primarily the role of platelets), waste removal (mainly handled by the kidneys and liver), and protection against infections (which is the responsibility of white blood cells), these processes are not the primary roles of red blood cells. The transportation of oxygen is fundamental to the overall health and functionality of all tissues in the body, highlighting the critical nature of RBCs in maintaining homeostasis.