Red blood cells have an average life span of 120 days, at which time they are broken down and recycled in the liver and spleen by phagocytic macrophages, a type of white blood cell. Additional tests will help your doctor determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. Red blood cells (or erythrocytes) are the tool our bodies use for transportation, and white blood cells (or leukocytes) are responsible for keeping us free of disease and healthy. Blood consists of two components (Fig 19.1 & Table 19.1) Plasma-straw colored liquid that contains dissolved substances including clotting factors Serum = plasma minus the clotting factors. Red blood cells transport oxygen for aerobic respiration. The mature human red blood cell is small, round, and biconcave. White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) Account for only about 1% of the blood. There are 5 different types of white blood cells that collaborate to protect the body by attacking foreign intruders, consisting of bacteria, viruses and tumors. White Blood Cells. Red blood cells formed in the bone marrow have a short lifespan of only 100 - 120 days, within which they perform the crucial role of transporting oxygen to various parts of the body. 20–30 trillion red blood cells at any given time. Red and white blood cells have two main functions: the carriage of oxygen; and defence against microbial attack. Like all connective tissues, it is made up of cellular elements and an extracellular matrix. This article mulls on the crucial function of red blood cells. Recall that blood is a connective tissue. Sickle cell anemia: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a type of anemia that draws its name from the unusual sickle shape of the affected red blood cells. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are much fewer in number than red blood cells. Function of Red Blood Cells. The cellular elements—referred to as the formed elements—include red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and cell fragments called platelets.The extracellular matrix, called plasma, makes blood unique among connective tissues because it is fluid. Formed elements Red blood cells (RBCs) White blood cells (WBCs) Platelets Blood consists of 55% plasma and 45% formed elements Blood Plasma Abstract. In humans, the surface glycoproteins and glycolipids on red blood cells vary between individuals, producing the different blood types, such as A, B, and O. The most typical type of white blood cells are called neutrophils. Red blood cell, cellular component of blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and gives vertebrates’ blood its characteristic color. Red blood cells also carry carbon dioxide, a waste product, to the lungs, where it is excreted. A high red blood cell count is generally considered to be anything above 6.1 million red blood cells for men, 5.4 million for women, and 5.5 for children. Transport oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body. 4500-11,000/mm 3 Male: 4.3-5.9 million/mm 3 and Female: 3.5-5.5 million/mm 3; Functions. They must be able to absorb oxygen in the lungs, pass through narrow blood vessels, and release oxygen to respiring cells. Pick up carbon dioxide from other tissues and unload it in the lungs. A complete blood count (CBC) test gives your doctor important information about the types and numbers of cells in your blood, especially the red blood cells and their percentage (hematocrit) or protein content (hemoglobin), white blood cells, and platelets. 2.