A schematic representation of red blood cell (RBC) membrane structure with major functional components. The RBC membrane consists of three basic components: a lipid bilayer, transmembrane proteins, and a cytoskeletal network. The major transmembrane proteins are glycoproteins, band 3, and glycophorin. The most abundant protein in the membrane skeleton is spectrin, which is tethered to the phospholipid membrane.

Abbreviations: 4.1, protein band 4.1; 4.2, protein band 4.2; GLUT1, glucose transporter 1; GPA, glycophorin A; GPC, glycophorin C; Rh, rhesus polypeptide; RhAG, Rh-associated glycoprotein.