What is the medical term for red blood cells?

The medical term for red blood cells is erythrocytes. Erythrocytes are crucial components of the blood responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs for exhalation. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen efficiently.

In contrast, leukocytes refer to white blood cells, which are primarily involved in the immune response and protecting the body against infections. Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, play a vital role in blood clotting, assisting in the cessation of bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. Hemocytes is a more generic term that may refer to blood cells in various organisms and is not specifically associated with red blood cells.

Understanding the distinction between these types of cells helps clarify the diverse functions they serve in the human body, highlighting why erythrocytes specifically refer to red blood cells.