Red Blood Cell (Noun)
Meaning
A mature blood cell that contains hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues; a biconcave disc that has no nucleus.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- Hemoglobin is present in red blood cells, which release oxygen from the hemoglobin for use by the tissues.
- Red blood cells are produced through a process called erythropoiesis, which occurs in the bone marrow.
- Normally, red blood cells have an average life span of 120 days, after which they are removed by the spleen.
- A deficiency of red blood cells can lead to a medical condition called anemia, which can result in fatigue and shortness of breath.
- In some cases, red blood cells that are misshapen or dysfunctional can be a sign of an underlying health problem.