What type of cell is primarily responsible for delivering oxygen in the body?

Red blood cells (RBC) are primarily responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body. These cells contain hemoglobin, a specialized protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and assists in its transportation to tissues and organs. As the red blood cells circulate through the bloodstream, they release oxygen where it is needed, enabling cellular respiration and energy production.

In addition to their oxygen-carrying function, red blood cells also help in transporting carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product, back to the lungs for exhalation. This dual role is essential for maintaining the body's acid-base balance and overall homeostasis.

In contrast, white blood cells are involved in the immune response and help defend the body against infections; platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing; and plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, are involved in the production of antibodies. While all these cells serve vital functions in the body, none are responsible for the delivery of oxygen in the way that red blood cells are.