Which cells in the blood are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen?

Prepare for The Body as a Whole Test with a variety of interactive questions. Use flashcards and detailed explanations to enhance your learning experience. Excel in your examination!

Multiple Choice

Which cells in the blood are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen?

Explanation:
Oxygen transport is done mainly by red blood cells because they contain hemoglobin, a protein with iron that binds oxygen. In the lungs, oxygen diffuses into the blood and binds to hemoglobin; as blood travels to tissues where oxygen is used, hemoglobin releases the oxygen where it’s needed. The biconcave shape of red blood cells increases surface area for efficient loading and unloading of oxygen. White blood cells are for immunity, platelets help with clotting, and plasma is the liquid component that carries dissolved substances, including small amounts of gases, but the primary carrier of oxygen is the red blood cell–hemoglobin system.

Oxygen transport is done mainly by red blood cells because they contain hemoglobin, a protein with iron that binds oxygen. In the lungs, oxygen diffuses into the blood and binds to hemoglobin; as blood travels to tissues where oxygen is used, hemoglobin releases the oxygen where it’s needed. The biconcave shape of red blood cells increases surface area for efficient loading and unloading of oxygen. White blood cells are for immunity, platelets help with clotting, and plasma is the liquid component that carries dissolved substances, including small amounts of gases, but the primary carrier of oxygen is the red blood cell–hemoglobin system.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy