What is the primary function of red blood cells?

The primary function of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, is to transport oxygen throughout the body. This is achieved through a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to the tissues and organs where it is needed for cellular respiration. This process is vital for sustaining life, as oxygen is essential for the production of energy in cells.

Red blood cells ensure that tissues receive adequate oxygen to function properly, enabling metabolic processes that support growth, repair, and overall health. In addition to transporting oxygen, hemoglobin also plays a role in transporting carbon dioxide—a waste product of metabolism—back to the lungs for exhalation. This dual function of facilitating gas exchange underscores the critical role red blood cells play in maintaining homeostasis within the body.