**Red Blood Cell Anatomy**

**Red Blood Cell Anatomy** Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are essential components of the blood that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. ### **Anatomy of Red Blood Cells**: 1. **Shape**: RBCs have a unique **biconcave disc shape**, which increases surface area for gas exchange and allows them to squeeze through tiny blood vessels. 2. **Membrane**: The cell membrane is flexible, allowing RBCs to deform and fit through capillaries. 3. **Hemoglobin**: Inside the RBCs, **hemoglobin** is a protein that binds to oxygen and carbon dioxide for transport. Hemoglobin gives RBCs their red color. 4. **No Nucleus**: RBCs lack a nucleus, which maximizes space for hemoglobin and enhances their oxygen-carrying capacity. 5. **Lifespan**: RBCs have a lifespan of a