An Overview of Red Blood Cell Properties and Functions

Abstract

Haematopoiesis, the process of forming blood cells, changes dynamically throughout life. It starts in the yolk sac and moves to the liver around the sixth week, where it produces small erythrocytes. After three months of foetal development, haemoglobin converts into foetal myoglobin, and the spleen becomes a new site for haematopoiesis. Blood-forming cells begin to colonise the medullary chambers of all bones in the fourth month, and this process continues until the child is four years old. Except for the axial skeleton, peripheral bone cavities become hematopoietically dormant when they fill with adipose tissue during adulthood. In some pathological situations, the liver and spleen may re-establish hematopoietic sites. The article discusses RBCs' unique structure, including their biconcave form, lack of a nucleus, and excess haemoglobin, which gives them their distinctive red colour. The article provides a detailed explanation of RBCs' role in oxygen transport, emphasising the importance of haemoglobin in binding and releasing oxygen. The article also discusses the role of RBCs in overall health, such as preventing anaemia and other blood disorders. The article also discusses several medical diseases that can impact red blood cells, such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia. Overall, this article gives a thorough summary of RBC structure, function, and importance.