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What are red blood cells and what is their primary function?
Updated: 11-Apr-2025

Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most common type of blood cells and carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen and gives blood its red color. RBCs have a unique disc shape that increases surface area for gas exchange and flexibility to pass through tiny capillaries.

They also help transport some carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Produced in the bone marrow, RBCs live for about 120 days before being replaced. Adequate iron, vitamin B12, and folate are essential for their healthy production.

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