What is the average lifespan of a red blood cell?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

The average lifespan of a red blood cell is approximately 100 to 120 days. This timeframe reflects the duration that these cells circulate in the bloodstream before they are typically removed by the spleen and liver. Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are produced in the bone marrow and have the crucial role of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation.

During their lifespan, red blood cells undergo various changes, including a loss of their nuclei and organelles, which enhances their ability to transport oxygen. As they age, they become less flexible and more prone to rupture as they pass through the narrow capillaries in the spleen. This natural lifecycle underscores the importance of hematopoiesis (the formation of blood cells in the bone marrow) to maintain sufficient levels of red blood cells in circulation, ensuring that the body has an adequate supply for its metabolic needs.

The other provided options fall outside the established lifespan of red blood cells, with each suggesting either a shorter or longer duration than what is typically observed. Hence, the range of 100 to 120 days is the most widely accepted average lifespan for red blood cells.

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