Final answer:
Red blood cells are correctly termed as erythrocytes, which are responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Red blood cells are also known as erythrocytes. These cells are biconcave in shape and are responsible for delivering oxygen to the body's cells and removing carbon dioxide. Erythrocytes contain a protein called hemoglobin that binds to oxygen and carbon dioxide, helping with the transportation of these gases. They are made in the bone marrow and do not have a nucleus at maturity, which is unique among human cells. Erythrocytes play a crucial role in respiratory gas exchange and are constantly being replaced due to their average lifespan of 120 days.
To address the provided options:
- Leukocytes are white blood cells and are part of the immune system that defends the body against infection.
- Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are cell fragments that play a vital role in blood clotting.
- Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that act as first responders during inflammation and infection.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'Red blood cells are also known as blank______.' is c) Erythrocytes.