What is the function of red blood cells?

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, have the primary function of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs throughout the body, and then carrying carbon dioxide back from the tissues to the lungs to be exhaled. This vital role is facilitated by the presence of hemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells that binds to oxygen, making it efficient for transport.

The importance of this function is evident when considering the body's need for oxygen to produce energy and maintain cellular functions. Without the effective transport of these gases, cellular respiration would be compromised, leading to a failure in energy production and overall health.

While hormones, digestion, and body temperature regulation are essential bodily functions, they are not the primary role of red blood cells. Hormones are produced by glands, digestion involves the gastrointestinal system, and temperature regulation is managed through various mechanisms in the body, none of which pertain directly to the function of red blood cells.