Which type of blood cell is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs throughout the body?

The type of blood cell responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs throughout the body is red blood cells. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and facilitates their transport to various tissues and organs. Once the oxygen is delivered, red blood cells pick up carbon dioxide—a waste product produced by cells—returning it to the lungs for exhalation.

This specific function is essential for maintaining the body’s metabolism and overall health, as oxygen is crucial for energy production in cells. In contrast, other blood components such as white blood cells, which are involved in immune responses, platelets that play a role in blood clotting, and plasma cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies, do not have the same function of oxygen transport. Therefore, understanding the role of red blood cells is key to grasping how the circulatory system supports cellular respiration and overall bodily function.