Blood Cells in 3D: Red Cells, White Cells and Platelets
Blood is made of cells floating in a yellow liquid called plasma. Red cells carry oxygen, white cells fight germs and platelets help stop bleeding. In the 3D Anatomy simulator you can zoom in on blood and see each type of cell.
Explore in 3DBlood Cells quick facts
| Main cells | Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets |
|---|---|
| Liquid part | Plasma, mostly water |
| Made in | Bone marrow |
| Red cell life | About 120 days |
| Oxygen carrier | Haemoglobin, inside red cells |
Interesting facts about blood cells
- Red blood cells are shaped like discs that are thinner in the middle.
- Haemoglobin in red cells carries oxygen and makes blood red.
- There are several kinds of white blood cells, each fighting germs in a different way.
- Platelets clump together to plug cuts and start a clot.
- New blood cells are made all the time in the marrow inside bones.
What you can do in 3D
Open the blood cells view to see red cells, white cells and platelets up close, turn them around and tap each one to learn its job.
More cells in 3D
Tap any part to open its page.
Blood Cells questions
What are the three types of blood cells?
Red blood cells, which carry oxygen, white blood cells, which fight infection, and platelets, which help blood clot.
What makes blood red?
Haemoglobin, an iron-rich protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Where are blood cells made?
In the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones.
How long do red blood cells live?
About 120 days, after which they are broken down, mostly in the spleen and liver.
What is plasma?
The yellow liquid part of blood. It is mostly water and carries the cells, nutrients and hormones.
The 3D Anatomy simulator is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. This page is for learning and is not medical advice.