MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The biconcave shape also provides a greater surface area across which gas exchange can occur, relative to its volume; a sphere of a similar diameter would have a lower surface area-to-volume ratio.

Detailed explanation-2: -The larger surface area of RBCs provides more exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Due to such a shape, RBC can swell easily and squeeze easily through small capillaries without any rupture or damage. Hence, the advantage of RBCs being biconcave is that it increases the surface area.

Detailed explanation-3: -The biconcave shape of the cell allows oxygen exchange at a constant rate over the largest possible area.

Detailed explanation-4: -They have a biconcave shape-they are the shape of a disc that is curved inwards on both sides-to maximise their surface area for oxygen absorption. They are thin, so there is only a short distance for the oxygen to diffuse to reach the centre of the cell.