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There are many different types of blood cells, and it can be confusing to know what each one does. In this article, we will discuss red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) and the difference between the two. RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body, while WBCs fight off infection. It is important to understand the functions of each type of cell to maintain a healthy immune system.
What are Red Blood Cells?
Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most common type of blood cell. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to other organs and tissues in the body. RBCs are made in the bone marrow and live for about 120 days. When they die, new cells are produced to take their place.
RBCs are small, round, and have a concave shape. They contain haemoglobin, which is a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. The haemoglobin gives RBCs their red colour. RBCs are sometimes also called erythrocytes.
What are White Blood Cells?
White blood cells (WBCs) are the second most common type of blood cell. They are responsible for fighting off infection and protecting the body from disease. WBCs are made in the bone marrow and live for about 12 days. When they die, new cells are produced to take their place.
WBCs are larger than RBCs and have different shapes. They do not contain haemoglobin and are usually clear or pale yellow. WBCs are sometimes also called leukocytes.
RBC and WBC: Difference
The main difference between RBCs and WBCs is their function. RBCs carry oxygen throughout the body, while WBCs fight off infection. RBCs are also smaller and have a concave shape, while WBCs are larger and have different shapes. Finally, RBCs contain haemoglobin, while WBCs do not. Read the other points of difference here.
- Other names: RBCs are sometimes called erythrocytes, while WBCs are sometimes called leukocytes.
- Shape: RBCs are small and round with a concave shape, while WBCs come in different shapes.
- Colour: RBCs contain haemoglobin, which gives them their red colour. WBCs are usually clear or pale yellow.
- Function: RBCs carry oxygen throughout the body, while WBCs fight off infection.
- Number: There are more RBCs than WBCs in the body.
- Lifespan: RBCs live for about 120 days, while WBCs live for about 12 days.
- Size: RBCs are smaller than WBCs.
- Components: Haemoglobin is the red blood cell’s protein component. White blood cells are formed from leukocytes that have discovered antigens on foreign invaders. Antibodies, along with MHC (major histocompatibility complex).
- Count: The normal red blood cell count in a microlitre of blood is between four and six million. The white blood cell count is normally between five thousand and ten thousand.
- Movement of cells: Erythrocytes have no nucleus, so they can change shape to fit through small openings. Leukocytes have a nucleus, which allows them to change shape to some degree, but they are much larger than erythrocytes and cannot travel as easily through small openings.
- Disease: Red blood cells can be affected by anaemia, while white blood cells can be affected by leukaemia.
As you can see, there are many differences between RBCs and WBCs. It is important to understand the functions of each type of cell to maintain a healthy immune system.
Conclusion
Red blood cells and white blood cells are both important for the body to function properly, but they have different jobs. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, while white blood cells fight infection. In school, we learn about these two types of cells and their functions, but there is a lot more to learn about them. For example, did you know that red blood cells can also be used to diagnose certain diseases? Or that white blood cells can change shape to help them move through small spaces? Learning about the differences can help us better understand how our bodies work and how diseases develop.
