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RED BLOOD CELL (ERYTHROCYTE) - Coggle Diagram
RED BLOOD CELL (ERYTHROCYTE)
Structure
Biconcave disc shape
Thin center
Thick edges
Flexible membrane
Can pass through narrow capillaries
No nucleus
No mitochondria
Filled with hemoglobin
Large surface area
Improves gas exchange
Life Cycle of Erythrocytes
Produced in red bone marrow
Process called erythropoiesis
Stimulated by erythropoietin (EPO)
Hormone produced by the kidneys
Circulate for about 120 days
Old RBCs removed by:
Spleen
Liver
Iron is recycled
New RBCs are produced continuously
Abnormalities of Red Blood Cells
Sickle Cell Disease
Abnormal hemoglobin
RBCs become sickle-shaped
Can block blood vessels
Polycythemia
Excessive number of RBCs
Blood becomes thicker
Increases risk of clotting
Anemia
Low number of RBCs
Low hemoglobin levels
Causes fatigue and weakness
Iron Deficiency
Reduced hemoglobin production
Smaller and paler RBCs
Hemolytic Disorders
Premature destruction of RBCs
Reduced oxygen transport
Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport
Hemoglobin
Protein inside RBCs
Contains iron
Binds oxygen in the lungs
Forms oxyhemoglobin
Travels through bloodstream
Releases oxygen to body tissues
Carries some carbon dioxide back to the lungs
Main Functions
Transport oxygen to tissues
Remove carbon dioxide from tissues
Help maintain normal blood pH