Which component of blood is primarily responsible for the transport of carbon dioxide?

The primary component of blood responsible for the transport of carbon dioxide is red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen and carbon dioxide. While oxygen is primarily taken up by hemoglobin in the lungs, carbon dioxide is transported in several ways: a small amount is dissolved directly in plasma, some binds to hemoglobin (though not at the same sites as oxygen), and the majority is converted to bicarbonate ions within red blood cells.

This active role of red blood cells in carbon dioxide transport is crucial for maintaining the acid-base balance in the body and facilitating the removal of CO2 from tissues to the lungs for exhalation. Other components, such as plasma, assist in the transport of nutrients and waste, but red blood cells are specifically designed for gas exchange, making them essential for effective carbon dioxide transport.