RBC vs WBC- Definition and 19 Major Differences

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Differences between RBCs and WBCs

RBC vs WBC (Table form)

S.N.CharacteristicsRed Blood Cells (RBCs)White Blood Cells (WBCs)
1.Alternative NameErythrocytesLeucocytes
2.OriginIn the embryonic phase, they are formed in the liver and spleen. However, after birth, they are formed in the red bone marrow.They are formed in red bone marrow,  lymph nodes, spleen, etc
3.Process of FormationFormation of RBCs is called “Erythropoiesis”Formation of WBCs is called “Leucopoiesis”
4.AbundanceMore abundant (4-5 million /mm3) They are the most abundant cell in the blood, accounting for about 40 to 45 percent of its volume.They are much fewer in number than red blood cells, accounting for about 1 percent of blood (8000 /mm3).
5.SizeSmaller than WBC ( 0.008 mm diameter )Larger than RBC (0.02mm)
6.ShapeBiconcave disc-shapedIrregular or round in shape
7.ColourRed cells are pinkish‐brown in color.White cells are colorless.
8.HemoglobinThe complex protein, hemoglobin, is the major constituent of RBCs.Hemoglobin is absent in WBCs.
9.NucleusThe nucleus is absent (anucleate).Present and may be bilobed, irregular or round.
10.Circulatory systemBelong to the cardiovascular systemBelong to the lymphatic system
11.TypesSingle type.In healthy people, there are at least five types of white cells in the circulating blood. White cells are divided into granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes.
12.Number IncrementNumber increases during exercise or when at high altitudes.The infection leads to an increase in the number of WBCs.
13.Life spanThe average life span of 120 daysLife span ranges from 5-21 days.
14.MotilityNon-motile but can move through circulation and have the ability to squeeze through small capillaries.Generally motile.
15.MovementMovement is Primarily between the cardiovascular systemBetween the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
16.Movement typeDo not leave the blood vesselThey can leave blood from capillaries and land in tissues.
17.Rouleaux formationForms stacks or aggregation called RouleauxDo not form Rouleaux
18.Related disordersDisorders result in anemia, thalassemia, polycythemia vera, etc.Lymphoma, Leukemia, Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
19.FunctionCarry respiratory gases- oxygen and carbon dioxide. Also, it contributes to blood viscosity.Phagocytosis and defensive role including antibody production.

References

  1. https://www.livestrong.com/article/106131-white-blood-cells-functions/
  2. https://www.diffen.com/difference/RBC_vs_WBC
  3. https://theydiffer.com/difference-between-red-and-white-blood-cells/
  4. http://simplebiologyy.blogspot.com/2015/04/table-comparison-between-red-blood-cells-erythrocytes-white-blood-cells-leucocytes-platelets-thrombocytes.html
  5. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Basics/

About Author

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Sagar Aryal, PhD

Dr. Sagar Aryal is a microbiologist, researcher, and science communicator from Nepal. He is also co-founder and Research Head of the Department of Natural Products at the Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences (KRIBS), where he leads research on natural product discovery and microbial biodiversity. Dr. Aryal earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2025, supported by a DAAD Research Grant and a University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal Ph.D. Fellowship. His research interests include Actinomycetes, Myxobacteria, microbial taxonomy, and natural products, particularly the discovery of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. He isolated and identified Nocardia nepalensis, a novel bacterial species from Nepal, contributing to understanding microbial diversity in the region. Dr. Aryal has published more than 16 research articles in international journals and contributed three book chapters to established academic publications. He has presented scientific research findings and developed international research collaborations through visits to more than 18 countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. From 2023 to 2025, he served as the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Young Ambassador to Nepal. Since December 2025, he has served as an Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports, a Nature Portfolio journal. In recognition of his scientific contributions, Dr. Aryal received the NAST Science and Technology Youth Award 2025 from the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. He previously received the Frs. Locke and Stiller Research Award (LSRA) for the 2017-2018 cycle from St. Xavier's College, Kathmandu, and a Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Research Grant for 2017-2018. Alongside his scientific career, Dr. Aryal has more than 15 years of experience in blogging, content writing, and search engine optimization (SEO).