What is the lifespan of a red blood cell?

The lifespan of a red blood cell is approximately 120 days. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and have a critical role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

After about four months, red blood cells undergo senescence, a process where they become less effective due to changes in their membrane and loss of flexibility. During this time, the cells are gradually removed from circulation, primarily by the spleen and liver, where they are broken down and their components recycled.

Understanding the lifespan is crucial as it highlights the balance the body must maintain in producing new cells to replace those that are lost or degraded. This knowledge is particularly important in contexts such as anemia, where red blood cell production may be compromised, impacting oxygen delivery throughout the body.