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

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, play a crucial role in the circulatory system primarily by transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. This function is essential for cellular respiration, where cells utilize oxygen to produce energy. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. Each hemoglobin molecule can carry four oxygen molecules, allowing red blood cells to effectively deliver oxygen throughout the body.

In addition to oxygen transport, red blood cells are also involved in the removal of carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, by transporting it back to the lungs for exhalation. Therefore, their primary role in gas exchange is fundamental to maintaining the body’s overall homeostasis and ensuring that tissues receive the necessary oxygen to function efficiently.