Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are the most abundant type of blood cell in the body. Their primary function is to carry oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to tissues throughout the body. This oxygen is vital for cellular energy production. RBCs also transport waste products like carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. This critical function is made possible by a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the tissues.
Beyond oxygen transport, RBCs play a role in:
- Redox regulation: RBCs contribute to the body's overall redox balance, which is essential for maintaining cell function and preventing oxidative stress.
- Nitric oxide metabolism: RBCs influence systemic nitric oxide levels, a molecule that helps regulate blood pressure and blood flow.
- Interorgan communication: RBCs act as messengers between different organs, participating in the regulation of various bodily processes.
