1. Oxygen transport: The primary function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. They contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the tissues.
2. Carbon dioxide removal: Red blood cells also play a crucial role in removing carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, from the tissues and transporting it back to the lungs for exhalation.
3. pH regulation: Red blood cells help maintain the body's acid-base balance by regulating the pH of the blood. They can absorb excess hydrogen ions (acid) or release them as needed to maintain a stable pH.
4. Immune response: Red blood cells contribute to the body's immune response by carrying antibodies, which are proteins that help identify and neutralize foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses.
5. Nutrient transport: In addition to oxygen and carbon dioxide, red blood cells also transport nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids to the body's cells, providing them with the necessary energy and building blocks for various metabolic processes.