Red Blood Cells performs the most important blood duty. A single drop of blood contains millions of red blood cells. If they weren't, your body would slowly die. Red blood cells are red only because they contain a protein chemical called hemoglobin which is bright red in color. Hemoglobin contains the element Iron, making it an excellent vehicle for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide.
They are around 6 - 8 micrometers in size and the human body contains about 4-6 millions/mm3 of them. Red blood cells are biconcave lens-like cells that lack a cell nucleus and contain mostly 33% of hemoglobin.
Over time, the red blood cells get worn out and eventually die. The average life cycle of a red blood cell is 120 days. Your bones are continually producing new blood cells, replenishing your supply. The blood itself, however, is recirculated throughout your body, not being remade all of the time.
Since the human body is continually making more blood, it is safe for healthy adults to donate blood.
They are around 6 - 8 micrometers in size and the human body contains about 4-6 millions/mm3 of them. Red blood cells are biconcave lens-like cells that lack a cell nucleus and contain mostly 33% of hemoglobin.
Over time, the red blood cells get worn out and eventually die. The average life cycle of a red blood cell is 120 days. Your bones are continually producing new blood cells, replenishing your supply. The blood itself, however, is recirculated throughout your body, not being remade all of the time.
Since the human body is continually making more blood, it is safe for healthy adults to donate blood.