The blood cells that transport oxygen are termed as:

BHU NO - 12 April 2024

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: BHU NO - 12 April 2024

Explanation

Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells (RBCs), are specialized cells whose principal function is to transport oxygen.
They contain a large amount of a protein called hemoglobin, which contains iron and binds reversibly with oxygen.
Oxygen binds to hemoglobin in the lungs, forming oxyhemoglobin, and is then transported to the tissues where it is released for cellular metabolism.
The biconcave disc shape of erythrocytes provides a large surface area that facilitates the absorption and release of oxygen molecules.

Option A: Leukocytes, or white blood cells (WBCs), are components of the immune system. Their primary role is to defend the body against infection and disease, not to transport oxygen.
Option B: Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, are small cell fragments essential for hemostasis. Their main function is to form clots to stop bleeding, not to carry oxygen.
Option C: Lymphocytes are a specific type of leukocyte (white blood cell) involved in the adaptive immune response, such as producing antibodies (B lymphocytes) or coordinating cell-mediated immunity (T lymphocytes). They do not transport oxygen.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Functions of different blood cell types helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the function of erythrocytes is fundamental for interpreting a Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low erythrocyte or hemoglobin levels indicate anemia, leading to symptoms like fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
Nurses monitor patients for signs of anemia and may be involved in administering blood transfusions (packed red blood cells) to restore oxygen-carrying capacity in cases of severe blood loss or critical anemia.
What if? If a patient has chronic kidney disease, their production of erythropoietin (a hormone that stimulates RBC production) may be impaired, leading to anemia. The nursing intervention would then focus on administering synthetic erythropoietin as prescribed, in addition to monitoring for symptoms.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that asks you to identify a specific blood cell based on its primary function.
First, identify the keywords in the question stem: 'blood cells' and 'transport oxygen'.
Systematically review the function of each option provided.
Recall that Leukocytes are for immunity, Thrombocytes are for clotting, and Lymphocytes are a type of leukocyte.
This leaves Erythrocytes. Recall that 'erythro' means red, and red blood cells contain hemoglobin, the molecule that transports oxygen.
Select the option that correctly matches the function of oxygen transport.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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