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What do Red Blood Cells do?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, have one major function in the body: to transport oxygen from the lungs to all of the tissues of the body, and to a lesser extent, to transport carbon dioxide away. These cells contain hemoglobin, which makes them highly efficient oxygen transporters. Without hemoglobin, it would not be possible for the blood to transport the volume of oxygen needed by the host animal's tissues in order to survive.

At the lungs, red blood cells participate in gas exchange, trading carbon dioxide they have picked up elsewhere in the body for oxygen molecules taken in by the lungs. Then, the blood returns to circulation, carrying the oxygen with it. These cells are capable of deforming in shape so that they can fit into tiny capillaries, releasing oxygen and picking up carbon dioxide along the way.

One empty and one full pint-sized blood bag.
One empty and one full pint-sized blood bag.

Carbon dioxide is the waste product of a number of cellular functions, but it cannot be allowed to build up in the body. It is transported not just by blood cells, but also by the plasma, the fluid that makes up around 55% of the blood. The plasma also carries other waste products generated by the cells, in addition to transporting nutrients which are used by the tissues in the body.

A blood composition diagram, showing red blood cells.
A blood composition diagram, showing red blood cells.

Red blood cells have some other functions. They cooperate with the immune system to neutralize hostile organisms such as bacteria. When bacteria lyse a red blood cell — meaning that they cause it to break down — they unwittingly bring themselves down in the process because the dying cell releases compounds that break down the cell walls of the bacteria and kill them.

Red blood cells carry oxygen to different areas of the body.
Red blood cells carry oxygen to different areas of the body.

In addition, red blood cells are capable of releasing compounds that will cause the blood vessels to dilate so that they can carry more blood. When the cells become oxygen deprived, they release these compounds to encourage greater circulation of oxygen to an area that is in need of it. These blood cells can also release dilating compounds when vessels become so restricted that they have trouble passing.

Individuals who have disorders that affect the number or function of red blood cells may experience fatigue.
Individuals who have disorders that affect the number or function of red blood cells may experience fatigue.

People with disorders that affect the number or function of red blood cells in the body can experience a variety of health problems, such as fatigue, as a result. Some conditions which can involve these cells include sickle cell anemia, leukemia, anemias, and transfusion reactions. Usually, blood tests are needed to diagnose these conditions.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

NathanG

@Mammmood - I’ve heard that people who have gone through chemotherapy can suffer from a low red blood count. This is because the chemotherapy can affect your bone marrow, and your bone marrow is responsible for creating red blood cells.

Your doctor will probably draw blood a lot during the cancer treatment to make sure the red blood cells are not getting too low. If they are he may prescribe additional medication to boost the red blood cell count or at least modify the chemotherapy treatment somewhat. He may even stop it for awhile to let your body recover.

Mammmood

If you have low red blood cells you will probably feel anemic and weak all the time. I personally recommend that you change your diet and start taking supplements to improve your health as soon as possible.

That’s because an iron and B-12 deficiency has often been implicated as one of the possible causes of this disease. I’ve found vegetarians who otherwise think they are getting a healthy diet start to develop the symptoms of anemia.

Since they’ve avoided meat, they are not getting the B-12 that they need. I think it’s best to correct the condition through diet alone, but at the very least you should take supplements.

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    • One empty and one full pint-sized blood bag.
      By: .shock
      One empty and one full pint-sized blood bag.
    • A blood composition diagram, showing red blood cells.
      By: Balint Radu
      A blood composition diagram, showing red blood cells.
    • Red blood cells carry oxygen to different areas of the body.
      By: Monika 3 Steps Ahead
      Red blood cells carry oxygen to different areas of the body.
    • Individuals who have disorders that affect the number or function of red blood cells may experience fatigue.
      By: bst2012
      Individuals who have disorders that affect the number or function of red blood cells may experience fatigue.
    • Heavy alcohol drinking may cause abnormally low red blood cell levels.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Heavy alcohol drinking may cause abnormally low red blood cell levels.
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is characterized by impaired breathing, may be present when an individual has a high red blood cell count.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is characterized by impaired breathing, may be present when an individual has a high red blood cell count.
    • Blood tests are generally needed to diagnose conditions that affect the number or function of red blood cells in the body.
      By: Von Schonertagen
      Blood tests are generally needed to diagnose conditions that affect the number or function of red blood cells in the body.
    • Males have more red blood cells in their bodies than females.
      By: Rob
      Males have more red blood cells in their bodies than females.