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Difference Between RBC And WBC, Types and Functions

Difference Between RBC and WBC: RBC carry oxygen, while WBC fight infections and boost the immune system in the body. Find differences between RBC and WBC.
authorImageKrati Saraswat23 May, 2025
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Difference Between RBC And WBC

Difference Between RBC and WBC: Blood comprises essential components with specific and essential roles. Red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) are examples of these components.  RBCs, also known as erythrocytes, are made of a protein called haemoglobin.

Hemoglobin, which gives blood its distinctive color, aids in oxygen absorption from the lungs. The oxygen absorbed by haemoglobin is released into the tissues as blood circulates through the body. RBCs are flattened, indented discs with a four-month lifespan. WBCs, on the other hand, have a broader range of functions within the human body. They are primarily responsible for defending against and fighting infections. They are also known as leukocytes. WBCs produce antibodies, which are specialized proteins that recognize and attack foreign substances in the body. There are numerous types of WBCs, each with its own lifespan and function. The primary differences between RBC and WBC are detailed below.
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Difference Between RBC And WBC Overview

White blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes, and red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are essential cellular components of blood. WBCs and RBCs have distinct structures and functions contributing to the body's homeostasis. Erythrocytes are responsible for oxygen transport. These cells contain the protein haemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to the tissues as blood circulates. RBCs have a flattened, biconcave disc shape and a life span of approximately four months. WBCs, on the other hand, are in charge of the immune response in the body. These cells come in a variety of types, each with unique functions. Some WBCs engulf and destroy foreign particles, while others produce antibodies that neutralize pathogens. play a role in inflammation and tissue repair. The distinct structures and functions of WBCs and RBCs are critical for body health. WBCs protect the body from infection, whereas RBCs transport oxygen to the tissues.  These two types of cells collaborate to keep the circulatory system running smoothly.

Difference Between RBC And WBC

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, and white blood cells, known as leukocytes, serve different functions in the body. Erythrocytes transport oxygen to various tissues throughout the body, whereas leukocytes strengthen the body's defence mechanisms by producing antibodies. Among the key difference between RBC and WBC are:
Difference Between RBC And WBC
Characteristics RBC (Red Blood Cells) WBC (White Blood Cells)
Definition Also known as Erythrocytes, bi-concave disc-shaped, anucleated, size: 6-8 microns. Also known as Leukocytes, irregular shape, nucleated, size: 15 microns.
Number 5 million RBCs present per cubic mm of blood. 3000-7000 WBCs present per cubic mm of blood.
Types Consists of a single type. Comprises various types: Neutrophils, T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes (plasma cells), monocytes (macrophages), eosinophils, basophils.
Production Produced in red bone marrow at a rate of 2 million per second. It is produced in lymph nodes, spleen, etc., with a lower production rate than RBCs.
Components Consists of hemoglobin only. Contains antibodies with MHC antigen cell markers.
Motility Non-motile. Motile.
Hemoglobin Rich in hemoglobin, giving a red color. Appears colorless due to the absence of hemoglobin.
Life Span Lives for only 4 months. Lives for several days to years in a healthy body.
Circulatory System Cardiovascular system. Lymphatic and Cardiovascular system.
Formation Erythropoiesis is the term for RBC formation. WBC formation requires 1% of the total blood in the body.
Ill Effects Very low count results in anemia, reducing oxygen supply. The number increases at high altitudes and during exercises. Very low count results in leukopenia, compromising the immune system. High count can result in infections.
Functions Carries oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other waste products; the primary function is oxygen transfer. Defends the body against germ attacks, produces antibodies for immunity, and may be phagocytic.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Red blood cells (RBCs), erythrocytes, are responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body. They contain the iron-rich protein haemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and gives blood its red colour. Mature human RBCs are small, round, and biconcave, allowing them to pass through narrow capillaries easily. They also lack a nucleus and other organelles, which maximizes space for haemoglobin. RBCs are produced in the bone marrow and comprise about 36%-50% of total blood volume. They are vital in oxygen transport and removing carbon dioxide and waste products. The primary responsibility of RBCs is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. Low RBC counts, as seen in anemia, can cause symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and irregular heartbeats. A diet rich in iron and vitamins from green vegetables, nuts, fruits, and whole grains is essential to address such deficiencies. The number of RBCs in a blood volume is called the RBC count. The normal RBC count is 4.35 to 5.65 million red blood cells per microliter (mcL) of blood for men and 3.92 to 5.13 million red blood cells per microliter (mcL) of blood for women. Regular monitoring and a balanced diet contribute to the maintenance of optimal RBC health and function. 

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White Blood Cells (WBCs)

White blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes or leucocytes, play a vital role in the body’s defence against infectious agents. They contribute to overall protection. Unlike red blood cells, WBCs lack haemoglobin, which makes them colourless. These cells are present in tissues and circulate in the bloodstream. WBCs have a nucleus, are motile, and protect the body by ingesting foreign materials, destroying cancer cells, and fighting infection through antibody production. Leukocytosis and leukopenia refer to an increase or decrease in WBC count, which can be observed under a light microscope. WBCs are classified into lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes. Lymphocytes are further divided into B cells and T cells. Alterations in the WBC count may indicate a variety of illnesses, including infections, a weakened immune system, myeloproliferative disorders, cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, and reactions to certain medications. The normal range of WBCs in the blood is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter, accounting for approximately 1% of the blood in a healthy adult. This count is critical in assessing overall health and susceptibility to infections or diseases. Physics Wallah offers a variety of NEET online courses that can help candidates crack the NEET exam. Our NEET Online Coaching program includes regular assessments, mock tests, and doubt-clearing sessions.
 
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Difference Between RBC And WBC FAQs

What is the life cycle of RBCs and WBCs?

Red blood cells (RBCs) have a life cycle of approximately four months. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood, delivering oxygen to tissues and organs. White blood cells (WBCs) are the body's defence mechanism against infections. There are several types of WBCs, each with distinct life cycles and functions.

What occurs when there is a high WBC count and a low RBC count?

A high white blood cell count can sometimes coincide with anemia, characterized by a low red blood cell count. This situation can arise when a bone marrow disease that causes an overproduction of white blood cells also leads to an underproduction of red blood cells.

Should the RBC count be higher than the WBC count?

While WBCs play a crucial role in the body's defense against illness and infection, their count is lower than that of RBCs. Despite the lower count, WBCs are larger than RBCs and are integral to the immune system's ability to recognize and combat foreign elements.

What are the consequences of a low WBC count?

A low white blood cell count, or leukopenia, can increase infection vulnerability. A white blood cell count below 4,000 cells per microliter is considered low, with normal counts varying based on age and gender.

What if the RBC count is low but haemoglobin is normal?

This condition is termed normocytic anaemia, where red blood cells maintain normal size and haemoglobin content but are present in insufficient quantities. Causes include sudden and significant blood loss.
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