Red blood cells

The carriers of the oxygen

Red blood cells (RBCs) are also known as erythrocytes. They derive their name from a glycoprotein erythropoietin (EPO) secreted by the kidney in hypoxic (low oxygen levels) conditions. The release of EPO stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow known as erythropoiesis. RBCs form nearly 99% of the cellular component of the blood. The purpose of RBCs is to transport oxygen from pulmonary capillaries to tissue capillaries.

Credit: Art by Nelli Aghekyan. Set in motion by Dr. Emanuele Petretto. Words by Dr. Suruchi Poddar. Project Coordinator: Dr. Masia Maksymowicz. Series Director: Dr. Radhika Patnala

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