Differences Between Red Blood Cells (RBC) and White Blood Cells (WBC)

Red Blood Cells/ Corpuscles (RBC) are also called “Erythrocytes” while White Blood Cells/ Corpuscles (WBC) are also called “Leukocytes”.

Some of the differences between Red Blood Cells/ Corpuscles (RBC) and White Blood Cells/ Corpuscles (WBC) are as follows:

S.N.DifferencesRed Blood Cells/ Corpuscles (RBC)White Blood Cells/ Corpuscles (WBC)
1Also calledAlso called “Erythrocytes”Also called “Leukocytes”
2OriginThey are produced in red bone marrow.Mostly bone marrow, also produced in lymph nodes, spleen, etc.
3NucleusNucleus AbsentNucleus Present
4SizeSmaller than WBCs, 7.5µmLarger than RBCs, 15µm
5ColorFilled with hemoglobin (Red)Colorless, No Pigment
6Production2 million RBCs per secondFewer WBC than RBCs
7Life SpanRBCs have an average lifespan of 120 daysWBCs live anywhere from a few days (5-21 days)
8Number5 million RBCs in every cubic mm of blood3,000 – 7,000 WBCs in every cubic mm of blood
9Number IncrementsNumber increases during exercises and high altitudesNumber increases during infection
10Process of FormationFormation of RBC is called “Erythropoiesis”Formation of WBS is called “Leucopoiesis”
11ShapeCircular, BiconcaveRounded and Amoeboid, Irregular
12MotilityNon-MotileGenerally Motile
13MovementDoesn’t leaves Blood VesselsCome out of blood Capillaries
14Rouleaux FormationForm stacks called RouleauxRouleaux formation absent
15TypesOne TypeFive Types
16Circulatory systemCardiovascular systemCardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
17FunctionTransport of Respiratory Gases (Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide)Defense Mechanisms

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17 thoughts on “Differences Between Red Blood Cells (RBC) and White Blood Cells (WBC)”

    • Platelets are the tiny fragments of special cells formed bone marrow.
      Platelets helps in the coagulation of blood during wound or a cut.

      Reply
  1. Why does Red blood cells have a longer lifespan as compared to white blood cells though the red blood cells lose their nucleus but white blood cells do not?

    Reply
    • The WBC palyes role in the immune system so most of them can’t live longer, because the attacked the antigen,s that comes to our body from the outside, in this immunity process can’t allow most of the WBC to live many days cause they become defected already.

      Reply
      • WBC’s are of 5 types eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils are commonly called granulocytes because of their rough surface.

        Reply
    • No there are 2 types of wbc…and these 2 types are divided into 2 and 3 types….so there are 5 types of wbc and lymphocytes and monocytes are granulocutes…

      Reply
  2. do size of rbc’s vary with the size of the person, so that thin and short person has smaller rbc and big person has bigger one

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  4. Note that when the spleen has been removed, red blood cells will sometimes show a nucleus. And also in certain Hematologic disorders which affect the rigidity of the cell membrane. The nucleus is lost so that the RBC can pass through tiny blood vessels.

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