Red blood cells that transport oxygen are called?

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Red blood cells that transport oxygen are erythrocytes. These cells carry oxygen thanks to hemoglobin, the protein that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues throughout the body. They are distinct from plasma, the liquid part of blood; leukocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infection; and platelets, which help with clotting. Mature erythrocytes in humans are shaped as biconcave discs to maximize surface area for gas exchange, and they carry large amounts of hemoglobin to optimize oxygen transport.