Which cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues?

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are specifically designed to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body’s tissues. They contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds oxygen molecules as blood passes through the lungs. Once the red blood cells reach the tissues, they release the oxygen, which is then used by cells to produce energy through metabolic processes.

This function of red blood cells is critical for maintaining the body's overall health, as oxygen is necessary for the survival of tissues and organs. In addition to carrying oxygen, red blood cells also play a role in transporting a small amount of carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, back to the lungs for exhalation.

In contrast, other cell types have different roles: platelets are involved in blood clotting, white blood cells are part of the immune system and fight infections, and plasma cells are involved in producing antibodies as part of the immune response. Each of these cells contributes to overall health and bodily function but does not have the specific role of oxygen transportation that red blood cells fulfill.