What is the primary function of red blood cells?

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, primarily function to carry oxygen from the lungs to various body tissues. This is crucial for cellular respiration, a metabolic process that generates the energy necessary for the cells to perform their functions. The oxygen is bound to hemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells that enables the efficient transport of oxygen through the bloodstream. Once the oxygen reaches the tissues, it is released, allowing cells to utilize it for energy production.

While red blood cells also play a role in transporting a small amount of carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation, their primary and most vital role is oxygen delivery. This ability to efficiently transport oxygen is key to maintaining overall health and functionality in human physiology.