ERYTHROCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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An erythrocyte, commonly referred to as a red blood cell, is a vital component of the circulatory system responsible for the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. These specialized cells are part of the formed elements in the blood and are characterized by their small, biconcave shape, which enhances their surface area and promotes efficient gas exchange.
Erythrocytes are primarily composed of hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to the tissues. This unique protein enables the red blood cells to carry out their crucial function of oxygen delivery to all organs and systems, ensuring their proper functioning. Additionally, erythrocytes also play a role in removing waste products such as carbon dioxide, which they transport back to the lungs for exhalation.
Produced in the bone marrow through a process called erythropoiesis, erythrocytes have a relatively short lifespan of approximately 120 days. Following their maturation, these cells are released into the bloodstream, where they travel until they reach the spleen or liver to be broken down and replaced by new erythrocytes.
Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit (the proportion of red blood cells in the blood) are essential components of routine blood tests that provide valuable information about overall health and potential disorders such as anemia, polycythemia, or conditions affecting oxygen-carrying capacity. By understanding the role and characteristics of erythrocytes, healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and monitor various health conditions and provide appropriate treatment.
Top Common Misspellings for ERYTHROCYTE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ERYTHROCYTE
Etymology of ERYTHROCYTE
The word "erythrocyte" is derived from two Greek roots: "erythros" meaning "red" and "kytos" meaning "cell". Therefore, "erythrocyte" can be translated as "red cell" or "red blood cell".
Similar spelling words for ERYTHROCYTE
- erythrolysin,
- erythropoietic,
- erythromycin,
- erythropoiesis,
- erythroblast,
- Erythrite,
- erythrocebus,
- erythroxylum,
- erythroderma,
- erythronium,
- erythroid,
- erythrina,
- erythrocin,
- erythropoietin,
- erythroxylon.
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