Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are the most common type of blood cell and are primarily responsible for delivering oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Their biconcave shape and lack of a nucleus allow for maximum surface area and flexibility, optimizing their role in gas exchange and transport within the circulatory system.
Hemolytic disease of the newborn is a condition where the immune system of an Rh-negative mother attacks the red blood cells of her Rh-positive baby, leading to anemia and potentially severe complications. This is prevented by administering Rh immunoglobulin to the mother during and after pregnancy to prevent sensitization to Rh-positive blood cells.
Blood transfusion is a medical procedure where donated blood or blood components are transferred into a patient's bloodstream to replace lost elements due to surgery, injury, or disease. It is a critical treatment that can save lives, but it requires careful matching of blood types and screening for infectious agents to ensure safety and compatibility.