Final answer:
In sickle cell anemia, the spleen may be seriously damaged, which often leads to severe infections. Hematopoiesis mainly happens in the bone marrow, and granulocytes are a type of leukocyte. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
In sickle cell anemia, the spleen is one of the organs that can be seriously damaged, leading to severe infections. Sickle-shaped red blood cells clog the tiny blood vessels, causing pain and damaging organs and joints, including the spleen. The spleen's role in filtering blood and fighting bacteria makes it particularly vulnerable in this condition.
When sickle cells obstruct splenic vessels, this can lead to a condition known as splenic sequestration, which can be life-threatening and increases the risk of infection due to decreased splenic function.
Hematopoiesis, the process of forming new blood cells, primarily occurs in the bone marrow. Granulocytes, an important type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection, are classified as leukocytes, not lymphocytes, erythrocytes, or megakaryocytes. Option A. is the correct one.