What is the primary function of red blood cells?

The primary function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen throughout the body. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues and organs. This process is crucial for cellular respiration, which is how cells produce energy. The ability of red blood cells to pick up oxygen and release it efficiently is vital for maintaining the body's overall health and function.

While fighting infections is the role of white blood cells, hormone production is associated with glands and specialized cells, and digestion is primarily handled by the gastrointestinal system, red blood cells are uniquely adapted for the critical task of oxygen transport.