Red blood cells are also known as _________?

1. Analyze the question The question asks for another name for red blood cells (RBCs). It is a terminology question, so you need to know the Greek roots used in blood biology.

2. Explain the concept Blood cell names are built from Greek word parts:

• erythro = red
• leuco = white
• thrombo = clot
• cyte = cell
• phago = eating

3. Work through the options

• A. Erythrocytes: erythro (red) + cyte (cell) = red cell. They carry oxygen using haemoglobin. ✅
• B. Thrombocytes: These are platelets, which help the blood to clot.
• C. Phagocytes: These are cells that engulf and digest germs. Some white blood cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, are phagocytes.
• D. Leucocytes: These are white blood cells, which fight infection.

4. Answer Red blood cells are also called erythrocytes, which is option A.

5. Exam tip Link the colour to the word root: Erythrocytes = Ember/red, Leucocytes = Light/white. Also remember that thrombocytes are for thrombosis (clotting).