Which cell type is primarily responsible for carrying oxygen to body cells?

Which cell type is primarily responsible for carrying oxygen to body cells?

• A. White blood cells
• B. Platelets
• C. Red blood cells
• D. Plasma

Answer: (C)

Oxygen delivery to body tissues is carried mainly by red blood cells because they are packed with hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it where it’s needed in tissues. Hemoglobin has iron in its heme groups that grabs oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin in the lungs and then releases it as blood flows to tissues with lower oxygen concentration. The biconcave shape of red blood cells increases surface area for gas exchange and helps them move smoothly through tiny capillaries. White blood cells handle immune defense, platelets are involved in clotting, and plasma is the liquid component that carries various substances but does not function as the primary oxygen transporter.

Oxygen delivery to body tissues is carried mainly by red blood cells because they are packed with hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it where it’s needed in tissues. Hemoglobin has iron in its heme groups that grabs oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin in the lungs and then releases it as blood flows to tissues with lower oxygen concentration. The biconcave shape of red blood cells increases surface area for gas exchange and helps them move smoothly through tiny capillaries. White blood cells handle immune defense, platelets are involved in clotting, and plasma is the liquid component that carries various substances but does not function as the primary oxygen transporter.