The most numerous blood cells are erythrocytes. The structure and function of these red cells are essential to the very existence of the human body.
About the structure of erythrocytes
These cells have a somewhat unusual morphology. Their appearance most of all resembles a biconcave lens. Only as a result of a long evolution, erythrocytes were able to obtain a similar structure. Structure and function are closely related. The fact is that the biconcave shape has several justifications at once. First of all, it allows red blood cells to carry an even greater amount of hemoglobin, which has a very positive effect on the amount of oxygen supplied to cells and tissues in the future. Another great advantage of the biconcave shape is the ability of red blood cells to pass through even the narrowest vessels. As a result, this significantly reduces the possibility of thrombosis.
About the main function of red blood cells
Red blood cells have the ability to carry oxygen. This gas is essentialfor every person. At the same time, its entry into cells should be practically uninterrupted. Supplying oxygen to the entire body is not an easy task. This requires the presence of a special carrier protein. It is hemoglobin. The structure of erythrocytes is such that each of them can carry from 270 to 400 million molecules on its surface.
Oxygenation occurs in the capillaries located in the cell tissue. This is where gas exchange takes place. At the same time, the cells give off carbon dioxide, which the body does not need in excess.
The capillary network in the lungs is very extensive. At the same time, the movement of blood through it has a minimum speed. This is necessary in order to have the possibility of gas exchange, because otherwise most red blood cells will not have time to give off carbon dioxide and be saturated with oxygen.
About hemoglobin
Without this substance, the main function of red blood cells in the body would not be realized. The fact is that it is hemoglobin that is the main carrier of oxygen. This gas can also get to the cells with the plasma flow, but in this liquid it is in very small quantities.
The structure of hemoglobin is quite complex. It consists of 2 compounds at once - heme and globin. The heme structure contains iron. It is necessary for efficient oxygen binding. Moreover, it is this metal that gives the blood its characteristic red color.
Additionalfunctions of red blood cells
It is now reliably known that these cells carry out not only the transport of gases. RBCs are also responsible for many things. Their structure and function are closely related. The fact is that these biconcave blood cells provide transportation of amino acids to all parts of the body. These substances are the building material for the further formation of protein molecules, which are needed everywhere. Only after its formation in a sufficient amount, the potential of the main function of human erythrocytes can be revealed by 100%
In addition to transportation, erythrocytes are also involved in protecting the body. The fact is that special molecules - antibodies - are located on their surface. They are able to bind toxins and destroy foreign substances. Here, the functions of erythrocytes and leukocytes are very similar, because white blood cells are the main factor in protecting the body from pathogenic microorganisms.
Among other things, red blood cells are also involved in the enzymatic activity of the body. The fact is that they carry a fairly large amount of these biologically active substances.
What function do erythrocytes perform, in addition to those indicated? Of course, rolling. The fact is that it is erythrocytes that secrete one of the blood coagulation factors. In the event that they could not realize this function, then even the slightest damage to the skin would become a serious threat tohuman body.
Currently, one more function of erythrocytes in the blood is known. We are talking about participation in the removal of excess water along with steam. To do this, the fluid is delivered by red blood cells to the lungs. As a result, the body gets rid of excess fluid, which also allows you to maintain a constant level of blood pressure.
Due to their plasticity, red blood cells are able to regulate blood viscosity. The fact is that in small vessels it should be maintained at a lower level than in large ones. Due to the ability of erythrocytes to slightly change their shape, their passage through the bloodstream becomes easier and faster.
Coordinated work of all blood cells
It is worth noting that the functions of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets overlap to a large extent. This causes the harmonious fulfillment of all the tasks assigned to the blood. So, for example, the functions of erythrocytes, leukocytes have something in common in the field of protecting the body from everything foreign. Naturally, the main role here belongs to white blood cells, because they are responsible for the formation of stable immunity. As for erythrocytes, they act as carriers of antibodies. This function is also quite important.
If we talk about the joint activity of red blood cells and platelets, then here we will naturally talk about coagulation. Platelets circulate freely in the blood in the amount of 150109 to 400109. Whendamage to the wall of the blood vessel, these cells are sent to the site of injury. Thanks to them, the defect is closed and bleeding stops. At the same time, for coagulation, the presence of all conditions-factors in the blood is necessary. One of them is produced just by erythrocytes. Without its formation, the clotting process simply will not start.
About violations of the activity of erythrocytes
Most often they occur when the number of these cells in the blood is markedly reduced. In the event that their number becomes less than 3, 51012/l, then this is already considered a pathology. This is especially true for men. At the same time, a sufficient level of hemoglobin content is much more important for the implementation of the function of erythrocytes. This protein should be in the blood in an amount of 130 to 160 g/l for men and 120 to 150 g/l for women. If there is a decrease in this indicator, then this condition is called anemia. Its danger lies in the fact that tissues and organs receive an insufficient amount of oxygen. If we are talking about a slight decrease (up to 90-100 g / l), then it does not entail serious consequences. In the event that this indicator decreases even more, then the main function of red blood cells can suffer significantly. At the same time, an additional load falls on the heart, as it tries to at least somewhat compensate for the lack of oxygen in tissues, increasing the frequency of its contractions and moving blood through the vessels faster.
When does hemoglobin decrease?
First of all, this happens as a result of iron deficiency in the human body. This condition occurs when there is insufficient intake of this element with food, as well as during pregnancy, when the fetus takes it from the mother's blood. This condition is especially characteristic for women whose interval between two pregnancies was less than 2 years.
Quite often, hemoglobin levels are low after bleeding. At the same time, the speed of its recovery will depend on the nature of the person’s nutrition, as well as the intake of certain iron-containing drugs.
What can I do to improve my red blood cells?
Once it became clear what function RBCs perform, questions immediately arise about how to improve their activity in order to provide the body with even more hemoglobin. Currently, several ways to achieve this goal are known at once.
Choosing the right place to stay
You can increase the number of red blood cells in the blood by visiting a mountainous area. Naturally, in a few days there will be no more red cells. For a normal positive effect, you need to stay here for at least a few weeks, and preferably months. The accelerated production of red blood cells at altitude is due to the fact that the air is rarefied there. This means that the concentration of oxygen in it is less. To ensure a full supply of this gas in conditions of its deficiency, new erythrocytes are formed at an accelerated pace. If you then return to your usual area, then the level of red blood cells throughsome time will be the same.
Pill to help red cells
There are also drug ways to increase the number of red blood cells. They are based on the use of drugs containing erythropoietin. This substance promotes the growth and development of red blood cells. As a result, they are produced in larger quantities. It is worth noting that it is undesirable for athletes to use such a substance, otherwise they will be convicted of doping.
About blood transfusion and proper nutrition
When the hemoglobin level falls below 70 g/l, it becomes a serious problem. To improve the situation, a transfusion of red blood cells is performed. The process itself is not the most beneficial for the body, because even with the right selection of blood for the AB0 group and the Rh factor, it will still be a foreign material and cause a certain response.
Often low hemoglobin levels are due to low meat intake. The fact is that only from animal proteins you can get enough iron. This element from plant protein is absorbed much worse.
