Guide to Blood Cell Types

It would be an understatement to say that blood cells are extremely crucial in the human body. Blood cells are blood carriers in the human body. In the human body, blood flows through arteries and veins. This system provides blood to the entire body. These arteries and veins carry blood different types of blood cells.

Types of Blood Cells

There are basically three types of blood cells in the human body. They are namely, Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets. Most of these cells are produced in the bone marrow in the human body. Especially, the bone marrow in vertebrae, ribs, skull, sternum and pelvis produce the majority amount of blood cells. These cells pass through plasma in all the parts of the body.

Red blood cells or RBCs are also known as erythrocytes. These cells have a peculiarly shaped into flat disks and are a little indented. RBCs also contain a vital component called hemoglobin. The blood gets its red color from this hemoglobin which is due to the oxygen supplied by the lungs. Among all the types of blood cells, the human body contains maximum number of RBCs with each RBC having a life span of 4 months. Everyday the body produces new blood cells to replace the old or lost RBCs.

White Blood Cells (WBCs) are essential for the immune system of the body. WBCs are also known as leucocytes. They maintain the resistance power of the body to fight against disease carrying organisms and infections. These cells travel within and outside the blood stream to reach the tissues which are damaged and need to be repaired. The body increases the production of WBCs according to the need and the level of infection in the body. However, the WBC count is much less as compared to the RBC count. The life of a WBC ranges from a few days to even months. The body keeps on producing some amount of WBCs.

The third type of blood cells is platelets and is also known as thrombocytes. These cells are oval in shape and are also produced in the bone marrow like the RBCs. Platelets are also known as blood sealers. In a case of a break in a blood vessel, the platelets congregate at that point to stop the leakage. Thus, platelets are important for in the process of blood clotting.

These are the basic features of the three types of blood cells. This proves the crucial role that these cells play in the human body.