White blood cells (WBCs) are bigger than red blood cells (RBCs).
While RBCs are smaller and have a biconcave shape, WBCs are larger and have a variety of shapes depending on their function.
This difference in size is readily apparent when looking at a blood smear under a microscope. The neutrophils, a type of WBC, are typically 12-14 µm in diameter, making them larger than the surrounding RBCs.
Despite their size difference, RBCs are more numerous in the blood than WBCs.
In addition to size, here are some other key differences between RBCs and WBCs:
- Function: RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues, while WBCs fight infection and protect the body from disease.
- Shape: RBCs have a biconcave shape, while WBCs have a variety of shapes, including spherical, amoeboid, and lobed.
- Life span: RBCs have a lifespan of about 120 days, while WBCs have a lifespan of a few days to several years.
