Erythrocyte Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🩸
erythrocyte
[ɛrɪθrəˌsaɪt ]
Definition
blood cell
Erythrocyte, commonly known as a red blood cell (RBC), is a type of blood cell that is responsible for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. It contains hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen and gives these cells their red color. Erythrocytes have a biconcave shape which increases their surface area for gas exchange.
Synonyms
RBC, red blood cell.
Examples of usage
- Erythrocyte levels can be measured in a complete blood count.
- A deficiency in erythrocytes may lead to anemia.
- The lifespan of an erythrocyte is about 120 days.
- Erythrocytes are produced in the bone marrow.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- These cells are shaped like discs and lack a nucleus, allowing more space for hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen.
- A healthy adult has approximately 5 million erythrocytes per microliter of blood, demonstrating their vital role in the bloodstream.
Medicine
- Anemia is a condition characterized by a low erythrocyte count, often leading to fatigue due to insufficient oxygen delivery.
- Certain disorders can affect the production of these cells, impacting overall health and oxygen levels in the body.
Chemistry
- Hemoglobin, found in erythrocytes, binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues, showcasing a fascinating chemical interaction.
- The lifespan of these cells is about 120 days, after which they are usually stripped down and recycled by the spleen.
Pop Culture
- In the film 'Osmosis Jones,' a white blood cell and a red blood cell are portrayed as characters working together to fight off infection.
- Songs and educational videos often feature red blood cells to explain how they keep us alive, popularizing knowledge about these vital cells.
Origin of 'erythrocyte'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek words 'erythros' meaning red, and 'kytos' meaning cell.
- In the late 19th century, the study of these cells advanced with the invention of the microscope, allowing scientists to view them more closely.
The term 'erythrocyte' originates from the Greek words 'erythros', meaning 'red', and 'kytos', meaning 'cell'. It was first introduced in the late 19th century when scientists began to understand the cellular components of blood. Prior to this, red blood cells were studied primarily as part of the blood’s composite but were not identified as distinct entities with specific functions. The identification of erythrocytes played a crucial role in the analysis of blood disorders and led to advances in medicine and hematology. The study of erythrocytes has evolved remarkably due to advancements in medical technology, leading to better diagnostic methods and treatments for conditions like anemia and hemoglobinopathies.