What is the scientific term for red blood cells?

The scientific term for red blood cells is "erythrocyte." Erythrocytes are specialized cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs for exhalation. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen, giving erythrocytes their red color and playing a crucial role in the respiratory and circulatory systems.

Leukocytes, on the other hand, refer to white blood cells, which are involved in the immune response. Thrombocytes are platelets, which are crucial for blood clotting. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein found within erythrocytes but does not refer to the cells themselves. Thus, erythrocyte is the specific term that denotes red blood cells and highlights their primary function in oxygen transport.