Question

How are red cells able to move through narrow vessels to carry oxygen

Answer 1

Red blood cells are able to move through narrow vessels to carry oxygen due to their unique shape and flexibility. Red blood cells are biconcave disks, which allows them to deform and squeeze through small capillaries and narrow blood vessels. This shape also provides a large surface area for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Additionally, red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues throughout the body. This allows red blood cells to efficiently transport oxygen to cells in need of it.

The flow of blood through vessels is also facilitated by the pumping action of the heart and the rhythmic contractions of the smooth muscle in the vessel walls. This helps to push the red blood cells through even the smallest capillaries.

Overall, the combination of the unique shape of red blood cells, the presence of hemoglobin, and the pumping action of the heart and vessel walls allows red blood cells to effectively deliver oxygen to tissues throughout the body, even in narrow blood vessels.