What are erythrocytes also known as?

Erythrocytes are commonly referred to as red blood cells. Their primary function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to various tissues throughout the body and return carbon dioxide from those tissues back to the lungs for expulsion. The unique biconcave shape of erythrocytes maximizes their surface area for gas exchange and allows them to traverse the microvasculature effectively.

Understanding that erythrocytes are distinct from other types of blood cells is crucial. For instance, white blood cells (leukocytes) are part of the immune system and are responsible for defending the body against infections. Platelets (thrombocytes) play a vital role in blood clotting, while plasma cells are a type of white blood cell specifically involved in producing antibodies. Thus, recognizing erythrocytes as red blood cells helps clarify their unique role within the circulatory system compared to these other cell types.