What does RBC stand for, and what is a key characteristic?

What does RBC stand for, and what is a key characteristic?

• A. White blood cells; fight infection and live about 2 weeks; also called leukocytes.
• B. Red blood cells; transport oxygen and live about 120 days; also called erythrocytes.
• C. Platelets; form clots and live about 7–10 days; called thrombocytes.
• D. Plasma; liquid component carrying nutrients; no fixed lifespan.

Answer: (B)

Red blood cells are the components that carry oxygen throughout the body. Their key characteristic is that they transport oxygen via hemoglobin and they have a typical lifespan of about 120 days in humans. Mature RBCs are erythrocytes, and their biconcave shape increases surface area for efficient gas exchange and allows easy passage through small vessels. While white blood cells fight infections, platelets help with clotting, and plasma is the liquid carrying nutrients, these describe other blood components, not RBCs.

Red blood cells are the components that carry oxygen throughout the body. Their key characteristic is that they transport oxygen via hemoglobin and they have a typical lifespan of about 120 days in humans. Mature RBCs are erythrocytes, and their biconcave shape increases surface area for efficient gas exchange and allows easy passage through small vessels. While white blood cells fight infections, platelets help with clotting, and plasma is the liquid carrying nutrients, these describe other blood components, not RBCs.