This document summarizes the different types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body via blood flow. They contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing molecule. White blood cells are involved in the immune system and protect the body against infection and foreign invaders. There are five types of white blood cells. Platelets function in blood coagulation and have a lifespan of 5-9 days. The main metal present in blood is iron, which is contained in red blood cells. A normal human has 5.78-6.21 liters of blood.