Why is the lifespan of RBC 120 days

Answer

Hint: RBCs or erythrocytes are produced in red bone marrow by a process known as erythropoiesis. Once they have completed their lifetime phagocytosis occurs with the help of macrophages that are specialized structures such as lymph nodes, spleen and liver.

Step by step answer:The life cycle of RBCs is completed in 120 days. The process by which they are digested by macrophages is known as erythropoiesis. The process of digestion is known as phagocytosis. The process is a form of apoptosis, which is the process of programmed cell death. Helps in making the amount of circulating RBCs in the blood at a constant rate.

Thus, the right option is A. Red blood cells

Note: The process of erythropoiesis is initiated or stimulated by a hormone known as erythropoietin, produced from the kidneys. This hormone is abundantly produced during hypoxia, in which oxygen level is low.

This information explains the different parts of your blood and their functions. 

Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells in your body. Blood cells also fight infection and control bleeding.

Most blood cells are made in your bone marrow. They are constantly being made and replaced. How long a blood cell lasts before being replaced is called its lifespan.

Your blood is made up of 4 parts: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Parts of Your Blood

Red blood cells (erythrocytes)

Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to your tissues. They also bring carbon dioxide back to your lungs.

Red blood cells make up almost half of your blood. The lifespan of a red blood cell is around 120 days.

White blood cells (leukocytes)

White blood cells fight infection and are an important part of your immune system. They make up a very small part of your total blood (less than 1%).

There are 3 types of white blood cells: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Each type has an important role.

• There are 3 types of granulocytes:
  • Neutrophils help fight bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Basophils are part of your body’s immune response. Their exact function isn’t well known.
  • Eosinophils help fight infections caused by parasites.
• Monocytes break down and remove foreign organisms and dying cells from your body.
• Lymphocytes make up your immune system.

White blood cells have a wide range of lifespans, from hours to years.

Platelets (thrombocytes)

Platelets are small parts of cells. Their main function is to control bleeding. They make up a very small part of your blood (less than 1%). The lifespan of platelets is about 9 to 12 days.

Plasma

Plasma is the pale-yellow liquid part of your blood that holds all of your blood cells. It makes up a little over half of your total blood.

Plasma helps move water, nutrients, minerals, medications, and hormones throughout your body. It also carries waste products to your kidneys. Then your kidneys filter out the waste products from your blood. Plasma is made up of water, protein, lipids (fats). It carries water, fat-soluble nutrients, and other substances to and from the different organs.

Resources

Johns Hopkins Medicine
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/facts-about-blood
This website has facts about blood, blood cells, and blood cell count.

American Red Cross
www.redcrossblood.org
The American Red Cross offers a variety of information about the different parts of blood and what blood cells do.

Stanford Children’s Health
www.stanfordchildrens.org
Stanford Children’s Health offers a variety of information about the different parts of blood and what blood cells do.

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