Both red blood cells and white blood cells play an essential role in the human body. Red blood cells or RBC carry oxygen to the tissues in different parts of the body. White blood cells or WBC strengthen the defense mechanism of the body by generating antibodies. The primary difference between RBC and WBC lies in their functionality. While RBCs act as carriers, WBC act as creators. The experts at have summarized the difference between red blood cells and white blood cells in a comprehensive manner.
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
As the name suggests, RBC is red because of the presence of hemoglobin which is an iron-rich protein and binds with oxygen to get the red color. RBC gives a red color to the blood because of its presence in the blood in a large number. Also known as Erythrocytes, red blood cells are round, small, and bi-concaved in shape but due to their flexibility, they appear bell-shaped when passing through small vessels. They carry oxygen to the tissue in the body. To maintain a healthy RBC count in the body, it is essential to take an iron and vitamin-rich diet. A low RBC count causes anemia and its common symptoms are irregular heartbeat, pale skin, feeling cold, fatigue, and joint pain.
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The primary function of Red Blood Cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissue in different parts of the body, using the blood circulation system. They also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs from where they are excreted out of the body. Since the RBC has a bi-concave shape it helps in the exchange of oxygen at a constant rate and over a large surface area.
White Blood Cells (WBC)
White Blood Cells are colorless due to the absence of hemoglobin in them. Also known as Leukocytes, white blood cells protect the body from any infections by producing antibodies that build up the defense system of the body against germs and infections. One of the other important factors that help us to differentiate between RBC and WBC is the circulation system used by these cells. WBC uses cardiovascular circulation and is also present in the lymphatic system. Red blood cells use only the cardiovascular circulatory system. Invading bacteria, viruses, and germs are attacked by these cells, which aid in the fight against infection.
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Although white blood cells begin in the bone marrow, they circulate throughout the body. There are five different types of white blood cells:
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Neutrophils
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Lymphocytes
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Eosinophils
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Monocytes
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Basophils
The primary function of white blood cells is to produce antibodies in the body and to strengthen immunity of the body. A good defense mechanism protects the body from any germ attacks or infections. WBC protects the body by digesting the foreign material and cancer cells present in the body by producing antibodies.
Let’s look at the difference between red blood cells and white blood cells in detail.
Difference Between Red Blood Cells and White Blood Cells
|
Criteria |
RBC |
WBC |
|
Scientific name |
RBC is scientifically called Erythrocytes. |
WBC is called Leukocytes. |
|
Appearance |
RBCs are anucleated, bi-concave, and disc-shaped. |
WBC are nucleated and irregular in shape. |
|
Size |
The size of RBC is roughly 6-8 microns. |
The size of WBC is 15 microns. |
|
Production location |
RBC is produced in the red bone marrow. |
WBC is produced in the spleen, lymph nodes, etc. |
|
Production number |
Almost 2 million RBC are produced in the body per second. |
WBC are produced in a comparatively lower number than the RBC. |
|
Formation process |
The process of RBC formation is called Erythropoiesis. |
The process of WBC formation in the body is called leucopoiesis. |
|
Motility |
Red Blood Cells are non-motile. |
White blood cells are motile |
|
Percentage in blood |
RBC accounts for 36%-50% of the blood in the body. This percentage, however, differs according to the height, weight, and age of the person. |
In comparison, WBC constitutes a meager 1% of the blood. |
|
Types |
Red blood cells are only of one type. |
White blood cells are of multiple types. T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes (plasma cells), monocytes (macrophages), neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are some of the types of WBC. |
|
Life span |
RBC can survive up to 120 days in the body. |
WBC can survive anywhere between several days to even several years in the body. |
|
Constitution |
RBC is made up of only hemoglobin. |
WBC is made up of antibodies with MHC antigen cell markers. |
|
Colour |
The presence of hemoglobin lends a red color to the RBC. It is the reason they are called red blood cells. |
The absence of hemoglobin makes WBC colorless. |
|
Function |
The primary function of the RBC is to carry oxygen to the various parts of the body. As a secondary function, they also carry waste materials an |
The primary function of WBC is to produce antibodies to strengthen the defense mechanism of the body. These antibodies protect the body from any attack by germs and provide immunity against infections. Some of them are also phagocytic. |
|
Circulation |
The circulation system used is the cardiovascular system that is related to the blood vessels and the heart. |
The circulation systems used are cardiovascular as well as lymphatic. |
|
Low count effect |
A low RBC count in the body can lead to anemia which can affect the body’s ability to carry and supply oxygen to the tissues. |
A low WBC count can lead to leukopenia that can hamper the immune system of the body. |
|
High count effect |
A high RBC count is produced in the body during exercise or at high altitudes. |
A high WBC count is an indication of infection present in the body or of a lower response rate of the bone marrow. Such a condition is called Leukocytosis. |