Structure and function of red blood cells in the blood. What function is performed by red blood cells

The most numerous cells of the blood are red blood cells. The structure and functions of these red bodies 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 is most like a biconcave lens. Only as a result of a long evolution such a structure could get red blood cells. In this case, the structure and functions are closely related. The fact is that the biconcave form 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 volume of oxygen coming in further to the cells and tissues. Another great advantage of the biconcave form is the ability of red blood cells to pass even through 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, his entry into the cells should be almost uninterrupted. Supplying the whole body with oxygen is not an easy task. This requires the presence of a special carrier protein. As it acts hemoglobin. The structure of erythrocytes is such that on their surface each of them can carry from 270 to 400 million molecules.

Oxygen saturation occurs in capillaries located in the cellular tissue. Gas exchange takes place here. In this case, the cells give off carbon dioxide, which the body in an excessive amount is not needed.

The capillary network in the lungs is very extensive. At the same time, the movement of blood along 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 carbon dioxide and oxygenate.

About hemoglobin

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

The structure of hemoglobin is quite complicated. It consists of two compounds - gem and globin. The structure of the heme contains iron. It is necessary for effective binding of oxygen. And 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 transportation of gases. Even for a lot of things, the red blood cells are responsible. Their structure and functions are strongly related. The fact is that these biconcave blood cells provide transportation of amino acids to all parts of the body. These substances are the building blocks for further formation of protein molecules, which are necessary everywhere. Only after its formation in sufficient quantity, the potential of the main function of human erythrocytes can be uncovered by 100%

In addition to transportation, red blood cells also participate in the protection of the body. The fact is that on their surface there are special molecules - antibodies. They are capable of binding toxins and destroying 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 involved in the enzymatic activity of the body. The fact is that they carry on themselves a sufficiently large number of these biologically active substances.

What function is performed by red blood cells, in addition to those indicated? Of course, coagulating. The fact is that it is the red blood cells that release one of the factors of blood coagulation. In the event that they could not realize this function, even the slightest damage to the skin would be a serious threat to the human body.

At present, there is also one more function of red blood cells in the blood. It is about participating in the removal of surplus water along with the steam. For this, the liquid is delivered by the erythrocytes to the lungs. As a result, the body gets rid of excess fluid, which also helps maintain blood pressure at a constant level.

Due to its plasticity, red blood cells are able to regulate the viscosity of the blood. The fact is that in small vessels it should be maintained at a lower level than in large ones. Due to the possibility for the erythrocytes to change their shape somewhat, their passage through the bloodstream becomes simpler and faster.

Well-coordinated work of all blood cells

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

If we talk about the joint activity of red blood cells and platelets, then here it goes, naturally, about coagulation. Platelet plates freely circulate in the blood in an amount from 150 * 10 ⁹ to 400 * 10 ⁹ . In the event of damage to the wall of the blood vessel, these cells are sent to the site of injury. Thanks to them, the defect closes and the bleeding stops. In this case, the coagulation is necessary in the blood of all conditions-factors. One of them is produced as a red blood cell. Without its formation, the process of clotting will simply not start.

On the disturbances of the activity of red blood cells

Most often, they occur when the number of these cells in the blood decreases markedly. In the event that their number is less than 3.5 * 10 ¹² / l, then this is already considered a pathology. This is especially true for men. In this case, a much higher level of hemoglobin is much more important for the function of erythrocytes. This protein should be in the blood in the amount of 130 to 160 g / l for men and from 120 to 150 g / l for women. If this indicator decreases, then this condition is called anemia. Its danger lies in the fact that tissues and organs receive insufficient amounts 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 case when this indicator decreases even more, the main function of red blood cells can suffer significantly. At the same time, the additional burden is placed on the heart, as it tries to at least compensate for the shortage of tissues in oxygen, increasing the frequency of its contractions and quickly distilling the blood through the vessels.

When does hemoglobin decrease?

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

Quite often, the level of hemoglobin is low after bleeding. In this case, the rate of its recovery will depend on the nature of human nutrition, as well as the intake of certain iron-containing drugs.

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

After it became clear which red blood cells perform a function, immediately questions 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.

We choose the right place for rest

Increase the number of red blood cells in the blood can be by visiting a mountainous area. Naturally, in a few days red cells will no longer be. For a normal positive effect, you need to stay here for at least a few weeks, and better months. Accelerated production of red blood cells at an altitude is due to the fact that the air is rarefied there. This means that the oxygen concentration in it is less. To ensure full-fledged supply of this gas in conditions of its deficit, new red blood cells are formed at an accelerated rate. If then to return to the habitual terrain, then the level of red blood cells after a while will be the same.

Tablet to help red cells

There are also medicamental 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 a larger amount. It should be noted that it is undesirable to use such a substance to athletes, otherwise they will be caught in the use of doping.

About blood transfusion and proper nutrition

In the case when the level of hemoglobin falls below 70 g / l, then this becomes a serious problem. To improve the situation, the erythrocyte mass is transfused. The process itself is not the most useful for the body, because even with the proper selection of blood in the AB0 group and the Rh factor, it will still be a foreign material and cause a certain response.

Often the low level of hemoglobin is due to low consumption of meat. The fact is that only from animal proteins can a sufficient amount of iron be obtained. This element of plant protein is digested much worse.