Final answer:
Red Blood Cells have a lifespan of 120 days, after which they are removed and recycled by macrophages mainly in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen. During their breakdown, hemoglobin is degraded, recycled, and its components can potentially lead to jaundice if they accumulate in the bloodstream.
Step-by-step explanation:
Red Blood Cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, circulate in the bloodstream for an average lifespan of about 120 days. They are crucial for carrying oxygen, as they contain the iron-rich protein hemoglobin. Red blood cells are produced in the red marrow of bones such as the long bones, rib bones, the skull, and vertebrae.
When RBCs reach the end of their lifespan, they are typically removed by myeloid phagocytic cells known as macrophages. These macrophages are located mainly in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen, and they break down the old red blood cells. During this process, the components of hemoglobin within the RBCs are also degraded and recycled.
Some potential issues can arise when RBCs break down. For example, the breakdown of hemoglobin leads to the production of a substance called choleglobin, and the continued turnover of RBCs can lead to the accumulation of these breakdown products in the bloodstream, potentially resulting in conditions such as jaundice if not properly cleared by the body.