What is the typical lifespan of a red blood cell?

What is the typical lifespan of a red blood cell?

• A. Approximately 60 days
• B. Approximately 90 days
• C. Approximately 120 days
• D. Approximately 150 days

Answer: (C)

The typical lifespan of a red blood cell (RBC) is approximately 120 days. This duration reflects the time it takes for RBCs, produced in the bone marrow, to circulate through the body, delivering oxygen to tissues and organs before they are cleared from circulation. The lifespan is a critical factor in understanding various aspects of hematology, including the body's ability to adequately supply oxygen, the production and destruction of blood cells, and the treatment of disorders such as anemia. After about 120 days, RBCs undergo senescence and are usually removed by macrophages in the spleen and liver. This lifespan allows the body to maintain a steady state of red blood cell production and degradation, ensuring that there are enough healthy cells to meet physiological demands while removing those that are aged or damaged.

The typical lifespan of a red blood cell (RBC) is approximately 120 days. This duration reflects the time it takes for RBCs, produced in the bone marrow, to circulate through the body, delivering oxygen to tissues and organs before they are cleared from circulation.

The lifespan is a critical factor in understanding various aspects of hematology, including the body's ability to adequately supply oxygen, the production and destruction of blood cells, and the treatment of disorders such as anemia. After about 120 days, RBCs undergo senescence and are usually removed by macrophages in the spleen and liver.

This lifespan allows the body to maintain a steady state of red blood cell production and degradation, ensuring that there are enough healthy cells to meet physiological demands while removing those that are aged or damaged.