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Related Concept Videos

Disorders of Erythrocytes01:27

Disorders of Erythrocytes

Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythropoiesis01:14

Erythropoiesis

Red blood cells  (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia, and...
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes01:29

Structure and Function of Erythrocytes

There are between 4.2 and 6 million erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, in every microliter of blood. These cells are small, flattened biconcave discs with centers that are depressed.
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination02:45

Blood Transfusion and Agglutination

Blood transfusion is a therapeutic measure to restore the blood volume after extensive blood loss due to an accident or a medical procedure. Blood transfusion involves drawing a certain amount of blood from a suitable donor and infusing it into the recipient.
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis01:24

Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...
Lifecycle of Erythrocytes01:22

Lifecycle of Erythrocytes

Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, constantly move through blood capillaries. As a result, they damage their plasma membrane due to the continuous friction. Typically, after 100 to 120 days, erythrocytes become rigid and fragile as they wear out. As they pass through small vessels in the spleen and liver, they can get trapped and break apart into fragments.
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.

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Updated: May 18, 2026

Controlled Microfluidic Environment for Dynamic Investigation of Red Blood Cell Aggregation
10:27

Controlled Microfluidic Environment for Dynamic Investigation of Red Blood Cell Aggregation

Published on: June 4, 2015

Erythrocyte aggregation: basic aspects and clinical importance.

Oguz K Baskurt1, Herbert J Meiselman

  • 1Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. obaskurt@ku.edu.tr

Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
|September 15, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation, while affecting blood viscosity, can surprisingly improve blood flow and tissue perfusion. This measurable parameter holds significant clinical and prognostic value across various diseases.

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Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Controlled Microfluidic Environment for Dynamic Investigation of Red Blood Cell Aggregation
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Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry
09:12

Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry

Published on: January 12, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Physiology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Red blood cells (RBCs) aggregate in solutions with large molecules, forming structures dependent on shear stress.
  • RBC aggregation influences blood viscosity, with potential inverse relationships to in vivo blood flow.
  • Complex interactions with hemodynamic and hemostatic mechanisms complicate the net effect of RBC aggregation on perfusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted impact of red blood cell aggregation on blood flow dynamics.
  • To investigate the clinical relevance and prognostic value of altered RBC aggregation.
  • To highlight the potential for broader clinical application of RBC aggregation measurements.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of RBC aggregation in various aqueous solutions.
  • Assessment of shear-dependent aggregation and dispersion.
  • Review of existing literature on hemodynamic and clinical implications.

Main Results:

  • RBC aggregation is shear-dependent, reversible, and influences low shear blood viscosity.
  • Contrary to simple viscosity predictions, aggregation may enhance certain hemodynamic mechanisms like plasma skimming.
  • Altered RBC aggregation is linked to various pathophysiological states and disease progression.

Conclusions:

  • The influence of RBC aggregation on tissue perfusion is complex, requiring consideration of aggregation's nature, extent, and timing.
  • Enhanced RBC aggregation can serve as a disease indicator and prognostic marker.
  • RBC aggregation is a readily measurable parameter with potential for increased clinical utility.