What is the normal size of red blood cells?
The size of red blood cells usually falls within 6 to 8 micrometers in random blood samples that were analyzed by laboratory testing. Mature forms of red blood cells (RBC) are called erythrocytes, which make up approximately 40 to 45% of human red blood cells. Unripe forms of red blood cells are called reticulocytes and they usually represent only about 1 to 2% of red blood cells. However, the structure is naturally flexible and bent to provide easier passage through the blood vessels passing around the body. Their shape also allows these cells to absorb more oxygen during their blood circulation as it provides a larger surface area for absorption. This is important because one of the functions of erythrocytes is to provide sufficient oxygen exchange for body tissues and organs. The average corpuscular volume test (MCV) measures the average cell size. The average test corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) measures the content of hemoglobin cells - a red protein substance that carries oxygen incell. The average test concentration of corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHC) measures the ratio of hemoglobin to cell size.
These tests are important in that they can show the presence of anemia - the condition that arises when the hemoglobin content in regular red blood cells is too low to provide sufficient oxygen to the body. This condition is defined according to the size of the red blood cells and the amount of hemoglobin that the cells carry. Red blood cell indices in laboratory tests help determine whether the anemia is present, by determining the normal range of hemoglobinus for men and women, usually in the range of 12 to 17 grams per deciliter.
The size of red blood cells largely depends on their ripeness. RBCs are constantly produced in the body in the bone marrow, such as the large bone of the femur. Once erythrocyte is formed, it grows to maturity in about 7 days and each cell lives for approximately 120 days. In addition, the erythrocyte mammalIt distinguishes from other vertebrate species - those who have vertebrae or spine - the fact that mammalian erythrocytes do not have a cell nucleus, the center containing genetic material. All other vertebrate erythrocytes retain the capacity that human cells lose as soon as they develop.