Red blood cells contain hemoglobin which binds oxygen in the lungs and gives blood its red color. White blood cells defend the body against infection and foreign materials and typically live 3-4 days. Platelets are cell fragments involved in clotting that normally last 5-9 days, with too few causing bleeding and too many potentially causing clots. Plasma is mostly water that holds blood cells and dissolved proteins in suspension, making up 55% of blood volume.