Erythrocytes. Erythrocytes in the blood are the main oxygen carriers The protective function of red blood cells

Health 30.01.2018

Dear readers, you all know that erythrocytes in the blood are called red blood cells. But many of you do not realize what role these cells play for the whole organism. Red blood cells are the main carriers of oxygen in the blood. If they are not enough, oxygen deficiency develops. At the same time, hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein, decreases. It just binds with oxygen, providing nutrition to cells and preventing anemia.

When we take a blood test, we always pay attention to the indicators of red blood cells. Well, if they are normal. And what does an increase or decrease in erythrocytes in the blood mean, what symptoms do these conditions manifest and how can they threaten health? The doctor of the highest category, Evgenia Nabrodova, will tell us about this. I give her the floor.

Human blood consists of plasma and formed elements: platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes. Erythrocytes are just in the bloodstream most of all. It is these cells that are responsible for the rheological properties of blood and practically for the work of the whole organism. Before talking about the decrease and increase in red blood cells, as well as the norm of these cells, I would like to talk a little about their size, structure and functions.

What is an erythrocyte. Norm for women and men

The erythrocyte is 70% water. Hemoglobin accounts for 25%. The rest of the volume is occupied by sugars, lipids, enzyme proteins. Normally, an erythrocyte has the shape of a biconcave disc with characteristic thickenings along the edges and a depression in the middle.

The size of a normal erythrocyte depends on age, gender, living conditions and on the place where blood is taken for analysis. Blood volume is higher in men than in women. This should be taken into account when interpreting the results of laboratory diagnostics. In the blood of a man, there are more cells per unit volume, respectively, they have more hemoglobin and red blood cells.

In this regard, the rate of red blood cells in the blood is different depending on the gender of the person. The norm of erythrocytes in men is 4.5-5.5 x 10 ** 12 / l. These values ​​are adhered to by specialists when interpreting the results of a general analysis. But the number of red blood cells in the blood of women should be in the range of 3.7-4.7 x 10 ** 12 / l.

When studying the number of red blood cells in the blood, pay attention to the amount of hemoglobin, which also allows you to suspect the presence of anemia - one of the pathological conditions associated with red blood cells and a violation of their main function - oxygen transport.

So what are red blood cells responsible for and why do specialists pay such increased attention to this indicator? Erythrocytes perform several important functions:

• the transfer of oxygen from the alveoli of the lungs to other organs and tissues and the transport of carbon dioxide with the participation of hemoglobin;
• participation in the maintenance of homeostasis, an important buffer role;
• red blood cells transport amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin C, cholesterol and glucose from the digestive organs to other cells in the body;
• participation in the protection of cells from free radicals (red blood cells contain important components that provide antioxidant protection);
• maintaining the constancy of the processes responsible for adaptation, including during pregnancy and in the event of illness;
• participation in the metabolism of many substances and immune complexes;
• regulation of vascular tone.

The erythrocyte membrane contains receptors for acetylcholine, prostaglandins, immunoglobulins, and insulin. This explains the interaction of red blood cells with various substances and participation in almost all internal processes. That is why it is so important to maintain a normal number of red blood cells in the blood and timely correct the disorders associated with them.

Common changes in the work of red blood cells

Specialists distinguish two types of disorders in the erythrocyte system: erythrocytosis (an increase in erythrocytes in the blood) and erythropenia (erythrocytes in the blood are lowered), leading to anemia. Each of the options is considered a pathology. Let's understand what happens with erythrocytosis and erythropenia and how these conditions manifest themselves.

An increased content of red blood cells in the blood is erythrocytosis (synonyms - polycythemia, erythremia). The condition refers to genetic abnormalities. Elevated erythrocytes in the blood occur in diseases when the rheological properties of the blood are disturbed and the synthesis of hemoglobin and erythrocytes in the body increases. Specialists distinguish primary (arise independently) and secondary (progress against the background of existing disorders) forms of erythrocytosis.

Primary erythrocytosis includes Wakez disease and some familial forms of disorders. All of them are somehow connected with chronic leukemias. Most often, high red blood cells in the blood with erythremia are detected in older people (after 50 years), mainly in men. Primary erythrocytosis occurs against the background of a chromosomal mutation.

Secondary erythrocytosis occurs against the background of other diseases and pathological processes:

• oxygen deficiency in the kidneys, liver and spleen;
• various tumors that increase the amount of erythropoietin, a kidney hormone that controls the synthesis of red blood cells;
• fluid loss by the body, accompanied by a decrease in plasma volume (with burns, poisoning, prolonged diarrhea);
• active exit of erythrocytes from organs and tissues in acute oxygen deficiency and severe stress.

I hope now it has become clear to you what it means when there are a lot of red blood cells in the blood. Despite the relatively rare occurrence of such a violation, you should be aware that this is possible. An increased number of red blood cells in the blood is often detected quite by accident after receiving the results of laboratory diagnostics. In addition to erythrocytosis, hematocrit, hemoglobin, leukocytes, platelets and blood viscosity are increased in the analysis.

Erythremia is accompanied by other symptoms:

• plethora, which is manifested by the appearance of spider veins and cherry coloration of the skin, especially in the face, neck and hands;
• the soft palate has a characteristic bluish tint;
• heaviness in the head, tinnitus;
• chilliness of hands and feet;
• severe itching of the skin, which intensifies after taking a bath;
• pain and burning in the tips of the fingers, their redness.

An increase in red blood cells in men and women dramatically increases the risk of developing coronary artery and deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and spontaneous bleeding.

If, according to the results of the analysis, red blood cells in the blood are increased, an additional study of the bone marrow with a puncture may be required. To obtain complete information about the patient's condition, liver tests, a general urinalysis, an ultrasound examination of the kidneys and blood vessels are prescribed.

With anemia, erythrocytes in the blood are lowered (erythropenia) - what does this mean and how to respond to such changes? This is accompanied by a decrease in hemoglobin levels.

The diagnosis of "anemia" is made by the doctor according to the characteristic changes in the results of a blood test:

• hemoglobin below 100 g/l;
• iron in serum is less than 14.3 µmol/l;
• erythrocytes less than 3.5-4 x 10**12/l.

To make an accurate diagnosis, the presence of one or more of the listed changes in the analyzes is sufficient. But the most important thing is the decrease in hemoglobin content per unit volume of blood. Most often, anemia is a symptom of concomitant diseases, acute or chronic bleeding. Also, an anemic state can occur with violations in the hemostasis system.

Most often, experts detect iron deficiency anemia, which is accompanied by insufficient iron intake and tissue hypoxia. It is especially dangerous when red blood cells are lowered during pregnancy. This condition indicates that the developing child does not have enough oxygen for proper development and active growth.

So, we have come to the conclusion that the cause of low red blood cells in the blood is anemia. And it can be caused by many conditions, including intestinal infections and diseases accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding. How to suspect the development of anemia?

In this video, experts talk about important indicators of a blood test, including red blood cells.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is widespread among the adult population. It accounts for up to 80-90% of all types of anemia. A hidden lack of iron is very dangerous, as it directly threatens with hypoxia and the occurrence of a malfunction in the immune, nervous systems and antioxidant protection.

The main symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are:

• feeling of constant weakness and drowsiness;
• increased fatigue;
• decrease in working capacity;
• noise in ears;
• dizziness;
• fainting;
• increased heart rate and shortness of breath;
• cold extremities, chilliness even when warm;
• a decrease in the adaptive capacity of the body, an increase in the risk of developing acute respiratory viral infections and infectious diseases;
• dry skin, brittle nails and hair loss;
• taste distortion;
• muscle weakness;
• irritability;
• bad memory.

When a doctor detects low red blood cells in the blood, it is necessary to look for the true causes of anemia. It is recommended to examine the organs of the digestive tract. Often latent anemia is detected when the gastrointestinal mucosa is affected by ulcerative defects, with hemorrhoids, chronic enteritis, gastritis, and helminthiases. Having determined the causes of a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, you can begin treatment.

Treatment of disorders related to the number of red blood cells

Both low and high red blood cell counts require appropriate treatment. Do not rely only on the knowledge and experience of a doctor. Many people today conduct preventive laboratory tests several times a year on their own initiative and receive diagnostic tests in their hands. With them, you can contact any specialized specialist or therapist to conduct an additional examination and treatment regimen.

Anemia treatment

The most important thing in the treatment of anemia, which develop against the background of a decrease in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin, is to eliminate the root cause of the disease. At the same time, specialists make up for the lack of iron with the help of special preparations. It is recommended to pay special attention to the quality of the diet.

Be sure to include foods that contain heme iron in your diet: rabbit meat, veal, beef, and liver. Do not forget that ascorbic acid enhances the absorption of iron from the digestive tract. In the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, the diet is combined with the use of iron-containing agents. Throughout the treatment period, it is necessary to periodically monitor the number of erythrocytes in the blood and the level of hemoglobin.

Treatment of erythrocytosis

One of the treatments for erythrocytosis, which is accompanied by an increase in the level of red blood cells in the blood, is bloodletting. The removed volume of blood is replaced with physiological solutions or special formulations. With a high risk of developing vascular and hematological complications, cytostatic drugs are prescribed, it is possible to use radioactive phosphorus. Treatment requires correction of the underlying disease.

Symptoms of erythrocyte dysfunction are often similar to each other. Only a qualified specialist can understand a specific clinical case. Do not try to diagnose yourself and prescribe treatment without the knowledge of a doctor. Joking with pathological changes in the number of blood cells can be very dangerous. If you seek medical help immediately after a decrease or increase in erythrocytes in the tests, you will be able to avoid complications and restore impaired body functions.

Doctor of the highest category
Evgenia Nabrodova

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Erythrocytes or red blood cells are one of the blood cells that perform numerous functions that ensure the normal functioning of the body:

• nutritional function is to transport amino acids and lipids;
• protective - in binding with the help of antibodies of toxins;
• enzymatic is responsible for the transfer of various enzymes and hormones.

Erythrocytes are also involved in the regulation of acid-base balance and in maintaining blood isotonia.

However, the main job of red blood cells is to deliver oxygen to the tissues and carbon dioxide to the lungs. Therefore, quite often they are called "respiratory" cells.

Features of the structure of erythrocytes

The morphology of erythrocytes differs from the structure, shape and size of other cells. In order for erythrocytes to successfully cope with the gas transport function of blood, nature endowed them with the following distinctive features:

These features are measures of adaptation to life on land, which began to develop in amphibians and fish, and reached their maximum optimization in higher mammals and humans.

It is interesting! In humans, the total surface area of ​​all red blood cells in the blood is about 3,820 m2, which is 2,000 times more than the surface of the body.

RBC formation

The life of a single erythrocyte is relatively short - 100-120 days, and every day the human red bone marrow reproduces about 2.5 million of these cells.

The full development of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) begins at the 5th month of intrauterine development of the fetus. Up to this point, and in cases of oncological lesions of the main hematopoietic organ, erythrocytes are produced in the liver, spleen and thymus.

The development of red blood cells is very similar to the process of development of the person himself. The origin and "intrauterine development" of erythrocytes begins in the erythron - the red germ of the hematopoiesis of the red brain. It all starts with a pluripotent blood stem cell, which, changing 4 times, turns into an "embryo" - an erythroblast, and from that moment it is already possible to observe morphological changes in the structure and size.

erythroblast. This is a round, large cell ranging in size from 20 to 25 microns with a nucleus, which consists of 4 micronuclei and occupies almost 2/3 of the cell. The cytoplasm has a purple hue, which is clearly visible on the cut of flat "hematopoietic" human bones. In almost all cells, the so-called "ears" are visible, which are formed due to the protrusion of the cytoplasm.

Pronormocyte. The size of the pronormocytic cell is smaller than that of the erythroblast - already 10-20 microns, this is due to the disappearance of the nucleoli. The purple hue is starting to fade.

Basophilic normoblast. In almost the same cell size - 10-18 microns, the nucleus is still present. Chromantin, which gives the cell a light purple color, begins to gather into segments and the outwardly basophilic normoblast has a spotty color.

Polychromatic normoblast. The diameter of this cell is 9-12 microns. The nucleus begins to change destructively. There is a high concentration of hemoglobin.

Oxyphilic normoblast. The disappearing nucleus is displaced from the center of the cell to its periphery. The cell size continues to decrease - 7-10 microns. The cytoplasm becomes distinctly pink in color with small remnants of chromatin (Joli bodies). Before entering the bloodstream, normally, the oxyphilic normoblast must squeeze out or dissolve its nucleus with the help of special enzymes.

Reticulocyte. The color of the reticulocyte is no different from the mature form of the erythrocyte. The red color provides the combined effect of the yellow-greenish cytoplasm and the violet-blue reticulum. The diameter of the reticulocyte ranges from 9 to 11 microns.

Normocyte. This is the name of a mature form of erythrocyte with standard sizes, pinkish-red cytoplasm. The nucleus disappeared completely, and hemoglobin took its place. The process of increasing hemoglobin during the maturation of an erythrocyte occurs gradually, starting from the earliest forms, because it is quite toxic to the cell itself.

Another feature of erythrocytes, which causes a short lifespan - the absence of a nucleus does not allow them to divide and produce protein, and as a result, this leads to the accumulation of structural changes, rapid aging and death.

Degenerative forms of erythrocytes

With various blood diseases and other pathologies, qualitative and quantitative changes in the normal levels of normocytes and reticulocytes in the blood, hemoglobin levels, as well as degenerative changes in their size, shape and color are possible. Below we will consider changes that affect the shape and size of erythrocytes - poikilocytosis, as well as the main pathological forms of erythrocytes and due to what diseases or conditions such changes occurred.

Let's add information about sickle-shaped erythrocytes and echinocytes.

Sickle cell anemia is most common in areas where malaria is endemic. Patients with this anemia have an increased hereditary resistance to malaria infection, while sickle-shaped red blood cells are also not amenable to infection. It is not possible to accurately describe the symptoms of sickle anemia. Since sickle-shaped erythrocytes are characterized by increased fragility of the membranes, capillary blockages often occur due to this, leading to a wide variety of symptoms in terms of severity and nature of manifestations. However, the most typical are obstructive jaundice, black urine and frequent fainting.

A certain amount of echinocytes is always present in human blood. Aging and destruction of erythrocytes is accompanied by a decrease in ATP synthesis. It is this factor that becomes the main reason for the natural transformation of disc-shaped normocytes into cells with characteristic protrusions. Before dying, the erythrocyte goes through the next stage of transformation - first the 3rd class of echinocytes, and then the 2nd class of spheroechinocytes.

Red blood cells in the blood end up in the spleen and liver. Such valuable hemoglobin will break down into two components - heme and globin. Heme, in turn, is divided into bilirubin and iron ions. Bilirubin will be excreted from the human body, along with other toxic and non-toxic erythrocyte residues, through the gastrointestinal tract. But iron ions, as a building material, will be sent to the bone marrow for the synthesis of new hemoglobin and the birth of new red blood cells.

Erythrocytes or red blood cells are the most numerous of the highly specialized blood cells. The functions of red blood cells are extensive, but the main one is that they saturate the tissues of the body with oxygen, returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

What are erythrocytes?

Even those who are far from medicine sometimes ask themselves questions: what are erythrocytes in the blood? What are they needed for? Along with platelets and leukocytes, these blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow of vertebrates, including humans. They are the most numerous and participate in the life of all systems, contributing to the movement of oxygen through tissues and organs. Because of their shape and unique plasticity, red blood cells can easily move through capillaries, facilitating gas exchange.

The structure of erythrocytes

The structure and functions of erythrocytes make them plastic, easily deformable. The liquid content of cells - the cytoplasm - is rich in hemoglobin, which contains a divalent iron atom that binds oxygen. The same pigment gives the bodies their red color. Erythrocyte cells are disc-shaped and do not have a nucleus, which is lost during maturation. The composition of red cells is as follows:

• mesh stroma;
• cell filled with hemoglobin;
• dense shell.

The structure of human erythrocytes is simplified: inside there is a membrane resembling a grid, while the plasma membranes of leukocytes and platelets are more complex. The membrane of red cells is special - it is impermeable to cations (with the exception of potassium), but well passes chlorine anions, oxygen molecules and carbon dioxide.

How are erythrocytes formed in the blood

How are erythrocytes formed? There is tissue growth by reproduction of a single cell, called proliferation. After that, stem cells, as the ancestors of hematopoiesis, form a large body with a nucleus, which is lost as the erythrocyte grows. Once in the bloodstream, the body is transformed into a finished erythrocyte. The process takes up to 3 hours, and red cells are formed in the body without interruption.

Every second, more than 2 million red blood cells are formed in the bone marrow of the spine, skull and ribs, in addition - in the endings of the arms and legs (in children). Circulating in the blood for 3-4 months (about 110 days), erythrocytes are absorbed by macrophages and destroyed in the spleen and liver. A small part of them undergoes phagocytosis - capture by solid particles of cells - in the vascular bed. The transport of oxygen throughout the body and participation in the transport of carbon dioxide are the central functions of erythrocytes. Cell production begins in the fifth month of fetal development.

What do erythrocytes look like?

The structure of red blood cells is related to the function they perform, and outwardly they differ from other blood cells circulating in the body. They have a different - special - shape and size. By nature, blood cells are endowed with peculiar features - a tiny size, the shape of a flattened disk, the absence of a nucleus. This is necessary in order to quickly cope with the transport of gas in the blood.

RBC shape

Red blood cells are a flattened biconvex disc (discocyte). The intracellular space is enlarged due to the lack of membrane septa and the nucleus, which is lacking in mature erythrocytes of all mammals. The shape of human erythrocytes also increases their total surface area. Inside the bodies there is an increased volume of the protein pigment hemoglobin, which binds oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules.

The specific form increases the efficiency of the main function of all red blood cells. However, the entire mass of blood cells is heterogeneous. Along with cells of the regular shape of a biconvex disc, others are also found, their percentage of the total number is small (less than 10%). This is:

• squamous cells with a flat surface;
• aging types of these cells - echinocytes;
• spherical spherocytes;
• domed stomatocytes.

Red blood cells - sizes

The diameter of blood cells varies from 6 to 8.2 micrometers (µm). The maximum thickness is only 2 microns. The tiny size allows easy movement through microscopic capillary vessels. Phenomena when the normal size of red blood cells increase in one direction or another, modern medicine calls macrocytosis and microcytosis. The diameter of healthy bodies is 7-9 microns, they are called normocytes. Everything below is microcytes, and everything above is macrocytes.

What is the function of red blood cells?

Blood cells play an important role in the human body.

Respiratory function of erythrocytes

The acid-base state, that is, the ratio of hydroxide and hydrogen ions in the biological environment, is regulated by red blood cells. They also transport O2 and CO2 from the tissues to the lungs. Gas exchange is the main function of red blood cells.

The nutritional function of red blood cells

Answering the question, what function do erythrocytes perform, transport is mentioned. But they "transport" not only oxygen with carbon dioxide, but also useful substances. Essential amino acids and lipids are concentrated on the surface of red cells, getting there from the plasma, and transported to tissue cells. This is the nutritional function of erythrocytes.

Protective function of red blood cells

An important function of red blood cells is to protect the body from harmful substances. On the surface of red blood cells are antibodies of a protein nature. Thanks to them, red blood cells are able to bind certain toxins and neutralize them, acting as a protector from poisons. In addition, red cells are involved in blood clotting, hemostasis (vascular-platelet) and fibrinolysis - the process of dissolving blood clots.

Enzymatic function of erythrocytes

Red blood cells are carriers of various enzymes. This is another transport function of erythrocytes in human blood. All enzymes in blood cells can be divided into three types:

• regulating oxygenation and dioxygenation;
• contributing to the implementation of transport functions;
• providing biological processes with energy.

Hemolysis of blood

Red bodies live no longer than the period measured by them - 110-120 days - and are destroyed in the blood continuously, releasing. The process is called hemolysis, and its types differ in nature, mechanism and place of occurrence. So endogenous hemolysis occurs in the body, and exogenous - outside it, for example, in a heart-lung machine. In addition, the destruction of red blood cells is:

1. Intracellular in the spleen, liver, bone marrow.
2. intravascular- in blood plasma.

By nature, physiological and pathological breakdown of blood cells are distinguished. Erythrocytes perform the function of transporters assigned to them, and die in the blood plasma or tissues. In the latter case, the destruction of bodies is provoked by negative factors and pathological conditions, such as:

• rheumatic diseases;
• kidney pathology.

There are several types of hemolysis:

1. Temperature due to exposure to cold.
2. Chemical, which is facilitated by the action of alcohols, ether, alkali, acid, which dissolve lipids in the membrane.
3. Biological, which is to blame for such natural factors as the poisons of insects, snakes, bacteria, or the transfusion of incompatible blood to a person.
4. Mechanical- Occurs when membranes rupture.
5. Osmotic, which is observed when red blood cells enter an environment where the osmotic pressure is lower than blood pressure. Water enters the bodies, they swell and burst.

What is SOE?

Laboratory studies show the number of red blood cells in the blood, their size, shape, change. But there is a special analysis (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), which reflects the ratio of plasma protein fractions. To do this, the blood is placed in a test tube containing substances that prevent its clotting. The weight of blood cells is higher than that of plasma (1.080 to 1.029) and they settle at the bottom. By measuring the time during which this happens, calculate the ESR.

If the indicators have a deviation, doctors consider this as an indirect sign of a current inflammatory disease, for example:

• pancreatitis;
• adnexitis.

The rate of erythrocytes in this study varies depending on age and gender:

1. The speed of movement of red cells in newborns is 1-2 mm / h. In the period from a month to six months, it increases sharply to 11-17 mm / h, but then it comes to 1-8 mm / h.
2. ESR in men does not exceed 2-10 mm / h.
3. In women, this figure: from 3 to 15 mm / h, in pregnant women it is higher - with the approach of childbirth, it reaches maximum values ​​​​of 55 mm / h.

The rate of erythrocytes in the blood

The presence of pathological conditions is also indicated by the concentration of red cells in the blood. To count their number, they use a special apparatus - the Goryaev camera. The biomaterial is placed in a mixer and diluted with a 3% chloride solution - a ratio of 1:100. A drop of the mixture is delivered to a chamber with square grids, when they are filled, laboratory assistants examine the results under a microscope and calculate the number of red blood cells in 1 µl of blood.

The average value of the norm is 3.8 to 5.10 x 10¹² / l, i.e. several million cells per microliter. The numbers also vary with age and gender.

They are erythrocytes. The structure and functions of these red cells are extremely important for the very existence of the human body.

About the structure of erythrocytes

These cells have a somewhat unusual morphology. Their appearance most of all resembles a biconcave lens. Only as a result of a long evolution, erythrocytes were able to obtain a similar structure. Structure and function are closely related. The fact is that the biconcave shape has several justifications at once. First of all, it allows red blood cells to carry an even greater amount of hemoglobin, which has a very positive effect on the amount of oxygen supplied to cells and tissues in the future. Another big advantage of the biconcave shape is the ability of red blood cells to pass through even the narrowest vessels. As a result, this significantly reduces the possibility of their thrombosis.

About the main function of red blood cells

Red blood cells have the ability to carry oxygen. This gas is simply necessary for every person. At the same time, its entry into cells should be practically uninterrupted. Supplying oxygen to the entire body is not an easy task. This requires the presence of a special carrier protein. It is hemoglobin. The structure of erythrocytes is such that each of them can carry from 270 to 400 million molecules on its surface.

Oxygen saturation occurs in the capillaries located in the cell tissue. This is where gas exchange takes place. In this case, the cells give off carbon dioxide, which the body does not need in excess.

The capillary network in the lungs is very extensive. At the same time, the movement of blood through it has a minimum speed. This is necessary in order to have the possibility of gas exchange, because otherwise most red blood cells will not have time to give off carbon dioxide and be saturated with oxygen.

About hemoglobin

Without this substance, the main function of red blood cells in the body would not be realized. The fact is that it is hemoglobin that is the main carrier of oxygen. This gas can also get to the cells with the plasma flow, but in this liquid it is in a very small amount.

The structure of hemoglobin is quite complex. It consists of 2 compounds at once - heme and globin. The heme structure contains iron. It is necessary for efficient oxygen binding. Moreover, it is this metal that gives the blood its characteristic red color.

Additional functions of erythrocytes in the blood

At present, it is reliably known that these cells carry out not only the transport of gases. They are also responsible for a lot of things and their functions are strongly connected. The fact is that these biconcave blood cells provide transportation of amino acids to all parts of the body. These substances are the building material for the further formation of protein molecules, which are needed everywhere. Only after its formation in sufficient quantity, the potential of the main function of human erythrocytes can be 100% revealed.

In addition to transportation, erythrocytes are also involved in protecting the body. The fact is that special molecules - antibodies - are located on their surface. They are able to bind toxins and destroy foreign substances. Here, the functions of erythrocytes and leukocytes are very similar, because white blood cells are the main factor in protecting the body from pathogenic microorganisms.

Among other things, red blood cells are also involved in the enzymatic activity of the body. The fact is that they carry a fairly large amount of these biologically active substances.

What function do erythrocytes perform, in addition to those indicated? Of course, rolling. The fact is that it is erythrocytes that secrete one of the blood coagulation factors. In the event that they could not realize this function, then even the slightest damage to the skin would become a serious threat to the human body.

Currently, one more function of erythrocytes in the blood is known. We are talking about participation in the removal of excess water along with steam. To do this, the fluid is delivered by red blood cells to the lungs. As a result, the body gets rid of excess fluid, which also allows you to maintain the level of blood pressure at a constant level.

Due to their plasticity, erythrocytes are able to regulate. The fact is that in small vessels it must be maintained at a lower level than in large ones. Due to the ability of erythrocytes to somewhat change their shape, their passage through the bloodstream becomes easier and faster.

Coordinated work of all blood cells

It should be noted that the functions of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets largely overlap. This causes the harmonious fulfillment of all the tasks assigned to the blood. So, for example, the functions of erythrocytes, leukocytes have something in common in the field of protecting the body from everything foreign. Naturally, the main role here belongs to white blood cells, because they are responsible for the formation of stable immunity. As for erythrocytes, they act as carriers of antibodies. This feature is also quite important.

If we talk about the joint activity of red blood cells and platelets, then here we will naturally talk about coagulation. Platelets circulate freely in the blood in the amount of 150*10 9 to 400*10 9 . In case of damage to the wall of the blood vessel, these cells are sent to the site of injury. Thanks to them, the defect is closed and, at the same time, for coagulation, the presence of all conditions-factors in the blood is necessary. One of them is produced just by erythrocytes. Without its formation, the coagulation process simply will not start.

About violations of the activity of erythrocytes

Most often they occur when the number of these cells in the blood is markedly reduced. In the event that their number becomes less than 3.5 * 10 12 / l, then this is already considered a pathology. This is especially true for men. At the same time, a sufficient level of hemoglobin content is much more important for the implementation of the function of erythrocytes. This protein should be in the blood in an amount of 130 to 160 g/l for men and 120 to 150 g/l for women. If there is a decrease in this indicator, then this condition is called anemia. Its danger lies in the fact that tissues and organs receive an insufficient amount of oxygen. If we are talking about a slight decrease (up to 90-100 g / l), then it does not entail serious consequences. In the event that this indicator decreases even more, then the main function of red blood cells can suffer significantly. At the same time, an additional load falls on the heart, as it tries to at least somewhat compensate for the lack of oxygen in tissues, increasing the frequency of its contractions and moving blood through the vessels faster.

When does hemoglobin decrease?

First of all, this occurs as a result of iron deficiency in the human body. This condition occurs when there is insufficient intake of this element with food, as well as during pregnancy, when the fetus takes it from the mother's blood. This condition is especially characteristic for women whose interval between two pregnancies was less than 2 years.

Quite often it is at a low level after bleeding. At the same time, the speed of its recovery will depend on the nature of the person’s nutrition, as well as the intake of certain iron-containing drugs.

What to do to improve the work of red blood cells?

After it became clear what red blood cells perform a function, questions immediately arise about how to improve their activity in order to provide the body with even more hemoglobin. Currently, there are several ways to achieve this goal.

Choosing the right place to stay

You can increase the number of red blood cells in the blood by visiting mountainous areas. Naturally, in a few days there will be no more red cells. For a normal positive effect, you need to stay here for at least a few weeks, and preferably months. The accelerated production of red blood cells at altitude is due to the fact that the air is rarefied there. This means that the concentration of oxygen in it is less. To ensure a full supply of this gas in conditions of its deficiency, new erythrocytes are formed at an accelerated pace. If you then return to your usual area, then the level of red blood cells after a while will become the same.

Pill to help red cells

There are also medical ways to increase the number of red blood cells. They are based on the use of drugs containing erythropoietin. This substance promotes the growth and development of red blood cells. As a result, they are produced in larger quantities. It is worth noting that it is undesirable for athletes to use such a substance, otherwise they will be convicted of doping.

About and proper nutrition

In the case when the hemoglobin level falls below 70 g/l, this becomes a serious problem. To improve the situation, a transfusion of red blood cells is performed. The process itself is not the most beneficial for the body, because even with the right selection of blood for the AB0 group and the Rh factor, it will still be a foreign material and cause a certain response.

Often low hemoglobin levels are due to low meat intake. The fact is that only from animal proteins you can get enough iron. This element from vegetable protein is absorbed much worse.