Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Erythrocytes

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Erythrocytes

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes a red blood cell?

A cell with a large nucleus and abundant cytoplasm

A biconcave disc that lacks a nucleus

A spherical cell with multiple nuclei

A flat cell with a single, large nucleus

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure and function of red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs are specialized cells in the blood responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.

Recognize the unique shape of red blood cells. They are described as biconcave discs, which means they have a concave shape on both sides. This shape increases the surface area for gas exchange and allows them to deform as they pass through narrow capillaries.

Note the absence of a nucleus in mature red blood cells. Unlike many other cells, mature RBCs do not have a nucleus. This absence allows more space for hemoglobin, the protein that binds oxygen.

Consider the options provided in the problem. Compare each description with the known characteristics of red blood cells: a large nucleus and abundant cytoplasm, a biconcave disc that lacks a nucleus, a spherical cell with multiple nuclei, and a flat cell with a single, large nucleus.

Identify the correct description based on the characteristics of red blood cells. The option 'A biconcave disc that lacks a nucleus' accurately describes the structure of a mature red blood cell.