What is the primary function of red blood cells?

The primary function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen throughout the body. These cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues and organs. This process is crucial for cellular respiration, where cells utilize oxygen to produce energy.

The efficiency of red blood cells in this role is vital for sustaining life, as all body tissues depend on a continuous supply of oxygen to function properly. Without the ability to transport oxygen effectively, the body would not be able to maintain energy levels, and overall health would decline rapidly.

Red blood cells do not play a role in fighting infections, regulating body temperature, or producing hormones, which are functions associated with other components of the immune system, thermoregulation mechanisms, and glands, respectively.