As everyone knows, blood is vital to human life. The average adult needs 5-6 litres of it, of which 45% is made up of blood cells. The cells are produced by a hemocytoblast cell (some call it a mother cell) in the red marrow portion of long bones and are next transported through the body via arteries and veins. The plasma, or liquid portion of blood allows the cells to flow freely.
Obviously, blood is important, but what are the different types of cells, and what do they actually do?
The types of blood cells produced are the erythrocytes (red cells), leukocytes (white cells), and thrombocytes (platelets), which are responsible for transporting oxygen, fighting infections, and forming blood clots.
Each type of cell performs a unique function. Medical conditions can occur if there is anything wrong with them. The complete blood count (CBC) test is usually ordered by the patient’s doctor when an illness is suspected.
Since different blood cells serve different purposes, many illnesses can be diagnosed simply by looking at what is happening to particular types of cells.
RED BLOOD CELLS (ERYTHROCYTES)
Mature red blood cells, technically termed as erythrocytes, are the most numerous of all the blood cells. The red colouring comes from the iron-bound portion of hemoglobin found within the cell. Erythrocytes serve the main purpose of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the heart and the other tissues in the body.
Immature red blood cells are called reticulocytes and can be distinguished from their mature counterparts by their presence of a nucleus. Mature red blood cells do not contain a nucleus, as this biconcave shape is what allows them to hold oxygen molecules. They have an average lifespan of 120 days, making the production of new cells necessary.
Medical problems such as anemia can occur when something is wrong with the red blood cells, which might be caused by high MCH levels. When their numbers are too few or when their ability to carry oxygen is compromised, it causes fatigue ranging from mild to severe.
WHITE BLOOD CELLS (LEUKOCYTES)
Also called leukocytes, white blood cells make up a large part of the body’s immune system. They have the ability to pass through capillary walls and enter the body tissues to fight invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
Of all the blood cells, only the leukocyte is classified as a complete cell. This is because it contains a nucleus while the erythrocytes and platelets do not.
There are five types of leukocytes, each with its own special function. When there is a particular type of infection in the body, there will be an increased number of the particular leukocytes associated with fighting that type of invader.
Neutrophils are the most numerous of all the leukocytes. They are mainly concerned with fighting bacterial, acute infections.
Eosinophils are mainly concerned with fighting parasites, but they also contain antihistamines which they release in response to allergens.
Basophils are the rarest type of blood cells and are mostly present in the liver and lungs. They contain and release histamines when needed; they are involved with severe allergic reactions.
Lymphocytes produce antibodies that are designed to target specific invaders. They respond mostly to viral infections.
Monocytes are mainly concerned with fungi. Their primary function is phagocytosis.
An abnormal amount of white blood cells are indicative of serious medical issues. If there are too few leukocytes, it leaves the person so vulnerable to infection that even the common cold is deadly. On the other hand, an abnormal increase in white blood cell count might indicate leukemia, a type of cancer affecting the bone marrow.
PLATELETS (THROMBOCYTES)
Also called thrombocytes, platelets serve the function of clotting. Whenever a blood vessel such as a vein is cut, platelets rush to clot the wall of the vein to stop the bleeding. Without platelets in the blood, a person would bleed to death.
Platelets are actually the exploded fragments of larger cells called megakarereocytes. It should come as no surprise then they are the smallest of all the blood cells. They have a lifespan of about 10 days. When platelet levels are lower than normal, this can result in bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
All three types of blood cells serve to protect the human body by providing it with oxygen, destroying pathogens, and healing wounds. Examining them under a microscope reveals much information about a person’s state of health and the type of treatment needed. At the end of the day, healthy blood cells contribute to overall good health.
