Which pigment is found in red blood cells and contains iron?

Hemoglobin is the correct answer because it is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and organs throughout the body. The presence of iron in hemoglobin allows it to bind to oxygen molecules, facilitating this crucial role in the circulatory system. Hemoglobin is essential for the body’s oxygen supply, making it vital for cellular metabolism and overall health.

The other terms listed provide different meanings in the medical context. Hematocrit refers to the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, which does not directly denote a pigment but rather a measurement of blood components. Gavage is a feeding technique used for animals or patients who cannot eat independently, and does not relate to blood or its components. Gestation pertains to the period of development of an embryo or fetus in the womb, which is unrelated to red blood cells or their functions.