Which component of blood is responsible for carrying oxygen to the body tissues?
Answer Details
The component of blood that is responsible for carrying oxygen to the body tissues is the **red blood cells**.
Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are the most abundant cells in our blood. They are specialized cells that contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen.
When we inhale, oxygen enters our lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream. The red blood cells pick up the oxygen molecules and carry them throughout our body. This is accomplished by the hemoglobin in the red blood cells binding to the oxygen molecules in the lungs, forming a compound called oxyhemoglobin.
As the red blood cells travel through our arteries, they deliver the oxygen to the body's tissues and organs. The tissues and organs release waste gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the bloodstream. At the same time, the red blood cells pick up carbon dioxide and transport it back to the lungs to be exhaled.
So, in summary, red blood cells play a crucial role in carrying oxygen from our lungs to the body tissues and exchanging it for carbon dioxide. They are like little oxygen transporters, ensuring that our body's cells receive the oxygen they need to function properly.