What is the role of red blood cells in the circulatory system?

Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, play a crucial role in the circulatory system primarily by transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs. This function is vital for maintaining the metabolic processes that require oxygen as it is essential for cellular respiration. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it through the bloodstream. When RBCs reach the tissues, hemoglobin releases the oxygen, allowing it to enter cells to support energy production.

In addition to oxygen transport, red blood cells also assist in the transport of carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, from the tissues back to the lungs, where it is exhaled. This dual role enhances respiratory efficiency and maintains proper pH levels in the body, emphasizing the importance of RBCs in overall circulatory and metabolic health.