Watch: [Understanding Your Body] Cells in the Blood - White Blood Cells, Red Blood Cells, and Platelets

⭐English subtitles available⭐

 

 

In TV dramas or movies, we often see main characters diagnosed with leukemia.

 

Those affected by this disease may become easily fatigued, frequently have fevers,

and be more prone to bleeding, such as nose bleeds and bruising.

 

Leukemia is a condition in which abnormal white blood cells proliferate excessively,

suppressing the normal functions of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

 

So, what exactly do white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets do in our bodies?

 

Our blood can be divided into a liquid component called plasma

and a cellular component called blood cells.

 

Blood carries oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products,

protects our body through phagocytosis,

and prevents bleeding through its clotting function.

 

The functions of blood are primarily carried out by the blood cells within it.

The types of blood cells are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

These blood cells are mainly produced in the bone marrow,

where hematopoietic stem cells differentiate and mature.

 

The blood cells in our blood have different shapes and functions.

Let's take a closer look at the differences.

 

Red blood cells make up about 25 trillion in the blood,

and they account for the largest number of blood cells.

The red color of blood comes from red blood cells.

 

Red blood cells have a concave disk shape

and are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

These red blood cells live and circulate in the blood for 100 to 120 days,

after which the aging red blood cells are removed by the spleen.

 

Platelets are the smallest of the blood cells, with an irregular, fragment-like shape.

When a blood vessel is injured and bleeding occurs,

platelets in the blood work to seal the wound, helping to stop the bleeding.

 

Sometimes, blood test results show an increased white blood cell counts.

There are various causes for an increase in white blood cells, but in most cases,

it indicates that bacteria have entered the body or that inflammation has occurred.

 

White blood cells are the blood cells responsible for immune function.

They move using amoeboid motion,

engulfing and breaking down invading bacteria and foreign substances

to protect the body from infections.

 

Taking a closer look at these white blood cells,

they can be divided into those with and without granules structures inside the cell.

 

White blood cells with granules include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils,

while those without granules include lymphocytes and monocytes.

Each type of white blood cell performs slightly different functions.

 

A shortage of white blood cells in the blood can weaken the immune system,

making the body more susceptible to infections.

 

If red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets fail to function properly,

various abnormal symptoms may appear.

 

If you experience excessive fatigue, frequent fevers, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easily bruising,

it could indicate a problem with the blood cells.

In such cases, it is advisable to seek a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.