What are erythrocytes commonly known as?

Erythrocytes are commonly known as red blood cells. This designation arises from their primary function and the presence of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, which gives them their red color. Understanding the role of erythrocytes is crucial in both general biology and medical contexts, particularly in areas related to oxygen transport, respiratory function, and overall blood composition.

Platelets, white blood cells, and plasma cells all serve distinct functions within the circulatory and immune systems but are not directly involved in the transportation of oxygen, which is the defining characteristic of erythrocytes. Platelets are involved in clotting, white blood cells play key roles in the immune response, and plasma cells produce antibodies; none of these share the primary role that red blood cells have in gas exchange.