Both red and white blood cells perform an important function in the human body. RBCs, or red blood cells, transport oxygen to tissues throughout the body. WBCs, or white blood cells, help the body’s defensive system by producing antibodies. The most significant distinction between RBC and WBC is their function. RBCs are transporters, whereas WBCs are creators.
Difference between RBC and WBC
The blood is composed of important components that perform specific and well-defined activities. Two of these components are RBCs (Red Blood Cells) and WBCs (White Blood Cells) (or White Blood Corpuscles). First, let’s look at the key difference between RBC and WBC.
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
RBC is red due to haemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that interacts with oxygen to produce the red hue. A significant number of RBCs in the blood gives the blood a red hue. Red blood cells, also known as Erythrocytes, are round, tiny, and bi-concaved in shape. However, they seem bell-shaped while passing through narrow capillaries due to their flexibility.
They transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. Therefore, it is critical to have an iron- and vitamin-rich diet to maintain a healthy RBC count. Anemia is caused by a low RBC diagram, and frequent symptoms include an erratic heartbeat, pale complexion, a sense of coldness, weariness, and joint discomfort.
The primary function of Red Blood Cells is to transfer oxygen from the lungs to tissue in various parts of the body via the circulatory system. They also transfer carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is exhaled. The RBCs bi-concave structure promotes oxygen exchange consistently and across a large surface area.
RBC Count
The RBC count is the number of red blood cells in a particular blood volume. For example, a liter of blood from an adult male has between 4.21012 and 6.91012 red blood cells. Another term for it is an erythrocyte count.
White Blood Cells (WBC)
White blood cells (WBC) play an important role in fighting illness and safeguarding the body. Other words for the same thing include leucocytes or leukocytes. Due to the lack of haemoglobin, the WBC is a colorless pigment. WBC may be found in both the tissues and the circulation.
The cells contain a nucleus, which WBC diagrams do not have. These cells are constantly moving. The stomach’s primary function is to protect the body by digesting foreign substances. It also contributes to the death of cancer cells and the spread of infectious diseases. These actions are carried out with the help of antibodies.
When the number of white blood cells (WBC) increases, leukocytosis develops, whereas leukopenia occurs when the number of WBC decreases. This is visible with a light microscope. WBCs are classified into three types: lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes. They also serve distinct purposes. For example, lymphocytes are classified into B cells and T cells.
Variations in the number of white blood cells (WBC) cause various diseases and disorders. WBC quantity declines when the bone marrow’s response to WBC formation is decreased or when an infectious pathogen destroys the cells. As one’s white blood cell (WBC) count falls, so does one’s health. As a result, the person is more susceptible to infection or illness.
WBC Count
The WBC count is the number of white blood cells in a particular blood volume. A liter of blood in a healthy adult comprises between 4109 and 1.11010 white blood cells, which contribute to the generation of around 1% of blood. It is also known as a leukocyte count, and it varies between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per cubic millimeter.
What Does a Low RBC and WBC mean?
Do you know what a low RBC and WBC mean? Pancytopenia is characterised by low amounts of all three types of blood cells: red cells, white cells, and platelets. This sickness might be caused by certain medicines or viruses. In certain cases, it is caused by cancer or a precancerous condition.
Conclusion
The solid component of your blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. RBCs are the oxygen-transporting cells that carry oxygen to your tissues and organs from your lungs. White blood cells (WBC) are immune system cells that help the body fight illness. Platelets help the blood clot when you have a cut or a wound.