Erythrocytes and Gas Transport

Flashcards highlighting key concepts related to erythrocytes, their structure, function, and importance in gas transport.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells primarily responsible for gas transport.

Gas transport

The primary function of erythrocytes, facilitating O₂ delivery and CO₂ transport.

Increased surface area/volume ratio

Enhancement due to organelle loss during maturation, improving diffusion rates.

Hemoglobin (Hb)

A protein in erythrocytes that makes up 33% of the cytoplasm and is crucial for oxygen transport.

Carbonic anhydrase (CAH)

An enzyme in the cytoplasm that converts CO2 and water into carbonic acid, aiding in gas transport and pH balance.

Carbonic acid

A compound produced from CO2 and water by carbonic anhydrase, playing an essential role in gas exchange.

O₂ delivery to tissue

The process of transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissues by erythrocytes.

CO₂ transport to lungs

The process by which carbon dioxide is carried from the tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.