Red Blood Cells

Red Blood Cells

 Red Blood cells, the most abundant blood cell, is located through 40-45% of the body. Shaped like a disk with a flattened center, 5 million of these 6-8 micrometer diameter cells are present in every cubic millimeter of blood.  Originally, red blood cells begin as immature cells located in the bone marrow and is later released into the blood after approximately a week with the help of erythropoietin, a hormone produced from the kidneys. These connective tissues play a vital part in the human body, such as regulating metabolism, getting rid of harmful bacteria, and transferring oxygen from the lungs to tissues.

 While red blood cells have lipids and proteins, red blood cells are missing a nucleus.   Unlike most cells, red blood cells don't need to divide to replicate, there is no need of a nucleus. Without a nucleus, red blood cells can also carry more oxygen and fit into smaller blood vessels due to its flexibility. Unfortunately, this limits the life of the cell since the cell's membranes become damaged more quickly. On average, red blood cells can survive about 120 days, or 4 months.




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