Question

After 120 days, red blood cells are removed by macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system. What is the process by which red blood cells are removed from the body?

1) Phagocytosis
2) Exocytosis
3) Apoptosis
4) Endocytosis

Answer 1

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are removed from the body by the process of phagocytosis, where macrophages in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen degrade and recycle them.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process by which red blood cells (erythrocytes) are removed from the body after their lifespan of 120 days is through phagocytosis.

Erythrocytes are produced in the bone marrow and, after circulating in the body and delivering oxygen, they are eventually phagocytized by macrophages in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen. The components of these degraded erythrocytes, particularly hemoglobin, are then recycled for further use in the body.