Question: What is the primary function of an erythrocyte?

Answer: The purpose of an erythrocyte is to deliver oxygen to all cells and tissues throughout the body.

They pick up oxygen in the lungs, and release it as they squeeze through the capillary beds.

Question: What is pulse oximetry and how does it work?

Answer: Pulse oximetry determines blood oxygen saturation by measuring the “redness” of the blood (colorimetric).

The more oxygen/hemoglobin present, the redder the blood should be.

Question: What are secondary functions of erythrocytes?

Answer: 1. They release ATP when being constricted by tight capillaries, which promotes vasodilation

2. Release nitrosothiols when carrying deoxygenated hemoglobin, which dilates vessels, allowing more blood flow to the area to improve O2 levels.

Question: RBC structure

Answer: RBCs are 6-8 um in diameter, and can serve as a “measuring stick” for other cells.

Mature RBCs lack a nucleus and most organelles, aside from cytoskeleton and mitochondria.

Usually are biconcave discs, but can change shape based on the tonicity of the solution (crenated or swollen)

Question: What is the Rouleaux formation?

Answer: A stacking aggregation of RBCs that occurs in large blood vessels when there are high levels of certain serum proteins (particularly during inflammation)