Blood cells

Blood cells, also known as hematocytes, are cells produced by hematopoiesis in the bone marrow and make up a significant part of the blood in the body. They are primarily divided into three types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells (RBCs), or erythrocytes, are the most common type of blood cell. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide as a waste product, away from the tissues and back to the lungs.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes, are cells of the immune system involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders. They are much fewer in number than red blood cells, comprising about 1% of your blood.

Platelets

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. Platelets are made in our bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside our bones.

Production of Blood Cells

The production of blood cells, or hematopoiesis, occurs in the bone marrow. All blood cells originate from a single type of unspecialized cell called a stem cell. When a stem cell divides, it first becomes an immature red blood cell, white blood cell, or platelet-producing cell.

Disorders of Blood Cells

There are many disorders that can affect the blood cells, including anemia, leukemia, and thrombocytopenia. These disorders can have a significant impact on the body's ability to function and can lead to serious health problems.

See Also

• Hematology
• Blood transfusion
• Blood diseases
• Blood tests