Final answer:
The assertion that the normal RBC count is 3.5-4.5 million/mm3 is false; healthy individuals typically have between 4.2 and 6.1 million RBCs per microliter of blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the normal red blood cell (RBC) count is 3.5-4.5 million/mm3 is false. The average number of red blood cells for healthy individuals typically ranges between 4.2 and 6.1 million cells per microliter of blood for adults, which is the same as 4.2 to 6.1 million cells per mm3 since a microliter (uL) is equivalent to a cubic millimeter (mm3). These erythrocytes are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body thanks to molecules of hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that binds to oxygen. The precise count varies by gender, with males having about 5.4 million erythrocytes per microliter of blood and females having approximately 4.8 million per microliter. The count can also vary according to different factors such as age and overall health.