What component of blood is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?

The component of blood primarily responsible for oxygen transport is red blood cells. These cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it through the bloodstream to tissues and organs throughout the body. Hemoglobin has a high affinity for oxygen, making red blood cells highly efficient in transporting this vital gas.

Red blood cells are uniquely structured — they have a biconcave shape that increases their surface area, allowing for more oxygen absorption and efficient transport. This ability to carry oxygen is one of the critical functions of red blood cells, and it distinguishes them from other components of blood, such as platelets, plasma, and white blood cells, which have different roles in the immune response, clotting, and transporting nutrients and waste products, respectively.