Final answer:
The spleen's function includes the removal of fragile and damaged red blood cells through the action of macrophages. These cells, also present in bone marrow and liver, act as the cleanup crew of the bloodstream by phagocytosing old and impaired erythrocytes to maintain overall circulatory health.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the functions of the spleen is to remove fragile and damaged RBCs (red blood cells) by macrophages. Phagocytic macrophages that clean up dead and damaged cells play a vital role in this process. Macrophages also exist in other tissues like the liver, where they are known as Kupffer cells, and in the bone marrow. These cells are responsible for engulfing and breaking down old and damaged erythrocytes, helping to keep the bloodstream free of debris and maintain healthy red blood cell levels.
The macrophage cells are a key component of the immune system and are derived from monocytes. These versatile phagocytes move through tissues and use amoeboid movement to engulf infectious agents and cellular debris. Their functions are crucial not only for innate immune defenses but also for supporting the adaptive immune response.