Blood physiology. erythrocyte based on the plenary lecture at the XXIV congress of the physiological society named after. I. P. Pavlova…

Human red blood cells have a complex system for regulating cell volume and deformability. This is absolutely necessary to ensure good blood rheology both in large vessels and in the capillary network. The review examines the features of the erythrocyte structure that provide good gas transport functions and excellent blood rheology, despite the fact that erythrocytes occupy 40% of the blood volume. Providing these properties requires the participation of a number of metabolic systems, which allows the red blood cell to work effectively in the bloodstream for 100–120 days without the synthesis of new proteins.