ERYTHROCYTES Meaning and
Definition
-
Erythrocytes, commonly known as red blood cells, are one of the major components of the blood. They are a type of cell that is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to different tissues and organs in the body. These cells transport oxygen through a protein called hemoglobin, which gives them their characteristic red color.
An average adult human being has around 20 to 30 trillion erythrocytes in their body. They are small, biconcave-shaped cells that lack a nucleus, which allows more space for hemoglobin to carry and transport oxygen efficiently. Erythrocytes are produced in the bone marrow, where they undergo a process known as erythropoiesis.
The main function of erythrocytes is to deliver oxygen to body tissues and remove carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, from the cells. Oxygen binds to hemoglobin molecules within the erythrocytes in the lungs, forming oxygenated blood. This oxygenated blood is then pumped by the heart to various organs and tissues in the body, where the oxygen is released for cellular respiration.
Erythrocytes have a lifespan of around 120 days, after which they are removed from the bloodstream and broken down in the liver and spleen. The body constantly replaces old and damaged erythrocytes by producing new ones in the bone marrow. Any abnormalities or imbalances in erythrocyte count or function can lead to various blood disorders, such as anemia or polycythemia.
Common Misspellings for ERYTHROCYTES
Etymology of ERYTHROCYTES
The word "erythrocytes" is derived from the Greek words "erythros" meaning "red" and "kytos" meaning "cell" - "erythrocytes" literally means "red cells". This term refers to the red blood cells found in the circulatory system of vertebrates, which are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
