Functions of Blood Cells
The primary function of red blood cells, or erythrocytes, is to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. Hemoglobin (Hgb) is an important protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of our body.
The primary function of white blood cells, or leukocytes, is to fight infection. There are several types of white blood cells and each has its own role in fighting bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Types of white blood cells that are most important for helping protect the body from infection and foreign cells include the following:
* neutrophils
* eosinophils
* lymphocytes
* monocytes
* granulocytes
White blood cells:
* help heal wounds not only by fighting infection, but also by ingesting matter such as dead cells, tissue debris, and old red blood cells.
* are our protection from foreign bodies that enter the blood stream, such as allergens.
* are involved in the protection against mutated cells, such as cancer.
The primary function of platelets, or thrombocytes, is blood clotting. Platelets are much smaller in size than the other blood cells. They group together to form clumps, or a plug, in the hole of a vessel to stop bleeding.