Erythrocytes

Definition

Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen and gives blood its red color.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Erythrocytes have a lifespan of about 120 days in the bloodstream.
2. Chemotherapeutic drugs can cause anemia by decreasing erythrocyte production in the bone marrow.
3. Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates erythrocyte production and may be used to treat chemotherapy-induced anemia.
4. A complete blood count (CBC) is often performed during cancer treatment to monitor erythrocyte levels.
5. Low erythrocyte counts can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Review Questions

• What role do erythrocytes play in oxygen transport?
• How can chemotherapeutic drugs affect erythrocyte production?
• What is the function of erythropoietin in relation to erythrocytes?

Related terms

Hemoglobin:

A protein in erythrocytes that binds oxygen and transports it to tissues.

Erythropoiesis:

The process by which new erythrocytes are produced in the bone marrow.

Anemia:

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, often leading to fatigue and weakness.