Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

Which type of blood cell is primarily responsible for carrying oxygen?

1. Lymphocyte

2. Erythrocyte

3. Monocyte

4. Basophil

The correct answer is: Erythrocyte

The type of blood cell primarily responsible for carrying oxygen is the erythrocyte, also known as red blood cells. Erythrocytes contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues throughout the body. The unique biconcave shape of erythrocytes increases their surface area, enhancing their ability to carry oxygen efficiently. This is critical for cellular respiration, as oxygen is needed for the production of energy in the form of ATP. While lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophils are all important components of the immune system and contribute to various functions like protecting against pathogens and responding to inflammation, they do not have the primary role of oxygen transport. Instead, they are more involved in immune responses rather than the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream.