Erythrocytes (red blood cells) are cells without nuclei which transport gases throughout the body. Erythrocytes are the main cellular components of blood. Their ability to greatly change their shape when squished controls the rheological properties of blood circulation. Rheology is the branch of physics that deals with the deformation (shape change) and flow of matter.
In this video, Victor Lugo presents some of the changes in shapes and in movements of erythrocytes under shear flow which cause the blood viscosity to drop during flow, a response called shear thinning. This behavior is essential for the proper oxygen delivery to tissues. Watch Victor's video to learn more.
Victor is a student in the Cell Physics Master at the University of Strasbourg, France.