Red+Blood+Cells+-+IC

=Introduction= toc =Functions of a Red Blood Cell=

The red blood cells are a key structure of your body. It is the cell that transports oxygen to your lungs (“BrainPop”). According to the article “What are Red Blood Cells” the author states that “red blood cells even help determine your blood type.” Blood types are helpful to know in case you lose blood and need to get more blood transferred into your body. Red blood cells live up to 120 days then they die. Red blood cells are usually found in your bone marrow. Red blood cells also take some other oxygen from your body just for you to exhale (“Discovery Education”). Without red bloods, your body would not get the oxygen that it needs to function.

=Structures of a Red Blood Cell=

Red bloods have many structures that help it to function correctly. Without some of the structures in the cell, it would not function right. One structure irs that they are biconcave. This means red blood cells have a dent in the middle that speeds up the process of exchanging gases (“Red Blood Cells: Why are they biconcave and flexible”). Another structure of red blood cells is that they are very flexible because they have to squeeze through capillaries which are smaller than red blood cells (BOOK AUTHOR).This is important because the cells can change shape to get through your entire body so it gets oxygen. A red blood cell has hemoglobin that is the protein for the cell (“Discovery Education”).

=Sickle Cell Anemia=

Sickle cell anemia is a disease that affects the red blood cells in your body. It affects your body by causing your red blood cells to be very stiff. According to (medicinenet)a person with the disease has an abnormal hemoglobin and that causes a messed up red blood cells =Conclusion= =References=