Digital Presentation: Red Blood Cell Physiology - BHS104A, Week 1-7

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the physiology of red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes. It begins with an introduction to the role of RBCs in oxygen transport and the function of hemoglobin. The presentation then delves into the external and internal structures of RBCs, including their biconcave shape, lack of a nucleus, and the presence of hemoglobin. The core of the presentation focuses on the physiological processes, including how RBCs pick up oxygen from the lungs and carbon dioxide from tissues, the mechanisms of gas exchange, and the role of hemoglobin in oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. It also explores the process of red blood cell production (erythropoiesis), its regulation by erythropoietin, and the control of blood pH. The presentation also covers the lifecycle of RBCs, the essential nutrients required for their production, and the disorders associated with RBCs such as anemia. Finally, the presentation concludes with a discussion on eryptosis. The presentation is aimed at peer level understanding and provides the key terminology associated with the topic.