Which of the following best describes the function of red blood cells within the body? Multiple choice question.
A Red blood cells function in secretion, selective reabsorption, protection, and sensing within the body.
B Red blood cells fight foreign pathogens and prevent disease within the body.
C Red blood cells stimulate other cells in the body in order to communicate messages.
D Red blood cells transport gases to and from all tissue cells within the body.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D: Red blood cells transport gases to and from all tissue cells within the body.
Red blood cells (RBCs), also called erythrocytes, play a crucial role in the circulatory system, primarily responsible for the transport of gases, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, throughout the body. The main component of RBCs is hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues where oxygen is needed. Once oxygen is delivered, red blood cells pick up carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, from tissues and transport it back to the lungs for exhalation.
The function of red blood cells is vital because every cell in the body requires a continuous supply of oxygen to perform metabolic activities. Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, the process by which cells generate energy in the form of ATP. Without red blood cells performing their role in transporting oxygen, the body would not be able to sustain life.
Red blood cells also help regulate the body’s pH by transporting carbon dioxide, which can combine with water to form carbonic acid. This process helps maintain the acid-base balance in the blood.
Although other cells in the body have important roles such as fighting pathogens (e.g., white blood cells), secreting substances (e.g., glands), or providing structure and protection (e.g., skin cells), red blood cells are specifically designed to handle the gas exchange function. They lack a nucleus and other organelles, making them highly specialized for this one crucial task.
Therefore, D is the most accurate description of the primary function of red blood cells.