Which type of blood cells is responsible for transporting oxygen?

Erythrocytes, commonly known as red blood cells, are primarily responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. They contain hemoglobin, a specialized protein that binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and releases them into the tissues where they are needed for cellular respiration. The shape of erythrocytes, which is typically a biconcave disc, increases their surface area for oxygen absorption and enables them to navigate through the narrowest blood vessels. This efficient transport of oxygen is essential for maintaining the metabolic activities of all body cells.