erythrocyte
Definition
- Noun:
- A mature, non-nucleated blood cell whose primary function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and to carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs. It is characterized by its biconcave disc shape and the presence of the iron-containing protein hemoglobin.
Usage
- The word erythrocyte is a formal, scientific term used primarily in medical, biological, and hematological contexts. It is the precise technical name for what is commonly called a red blood cell or red blood corpuscle.
Examples
- Noun:
- A low erythrocyte count is a key indicator of anemia.
- The primary function of an erythrocyte is gas exchange via hemoglobin.
- Under the microscope, the biconcave shape of the erythrocyte is clearly visible.
Advanced Usage
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): A common medical test that measures the rate at which erythrocytes settle at the bottom of a test tube, used as a non-specific marker of inflammation.
- The doctor ordered an ESR test to check for signs of systemic inflammation.
- Erythrocyte membrane: Refers to the outer lipid bilayer of the cell, which is crucial for its flexibility and function.
- Certain genetic disorders affect the stability of the erythrocyte membrane.
Variants and Related Words
- Red blood cell (RBC) (n): The common, non-technical synonym for erythrocyte.
- Red blood corpuscle (n): An older, but still used, synonym for erythrocyte.
- Erythrocytic (adj): Pertaining to or of the nature of erythrocytes.
- Erythrocytic disorders can affect oxygen transport.
- Reticulocyte (n): An immature erythrocyte, typically present in the bone marrow and sometimes in the bloodstream.
Synonyms
- Red blood cell (RBC)
- Red blood corpuscle
- Red cell
Related Terms and Concepts
- Hemoglobin (n): The oxygen-carrying protein within erythrocytes.
- Hematocrit (n): The proportion of blood volume that is occupied by erythrocytes.
- Anemia (n): A condition characterized by a deficiency of erythrocytes or hemoglobin.
- Leukocyte (n): A white blood cell; a different type of blood cell involved in immune response.
Noun
-
a mature blood cell that contains hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues; a biconcave disc that has no nucleus
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