Which blood component is primarily used in transfusions to treat anemia?

Red blood cells are primarily used in transfusions to treat anemia because they are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide for exhalation. Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells or when the cells do not function properly, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. Transfusing red blood cells helps to increase the hemoglobin levels in the blood, thereby improving oxygen transport and alleviating symptoms associated with anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and pallor.

While plasma is involved in maintaining blood volume and contains important proteins, it does not directly address the deficiency of red blood cells. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and would be used for conditions related to bleeding rather than anemia. White blood cells play a critical role in the immune response but do not contribute to oxygen transport or hemoglobin levels. Thus, red blood cells are the key component for effectively treating anemia through transfusion.