What Are the Functions of Red & White Blood Cells?
There are millions of red blood cells and between 7,000 and 25,000 white blood cells per drop of blood, according to the Franklin Institute. Although all blood cells develop in the bone marrow and enter the blood vessels to replenish existing cells as they die, red blood cells and white blood cells perform different functions. Delivering Oxygen The red color of red blood cells is closely linked to one of their most important functions: delivering oxygen. Red blood cells, according to the Franklin Institute, contain hemoglobin, which in turn contains iron that produces the red color of these cells. Hemoglobin is used to transport oxygen obtained in the lungs to other areas of the body. To help blood cells accomplish this task, they have developed a flexible shape to get through very small spaces, according to the Puget Sound Blood Center. Picking Up Waste While red blood cells bring oxygen to the rest of the cells, they use hemoglobin to collect waste gases, such as carbon dioxide, acco
