Red Blood Cell Lifespan – Cell Life

Red Blood Cells are actually the life-carriers in the human body. They carry oxygen to various parts of the body. They contain the vital hemoglobin, which is so much important for the body to remain healthy. Thus, the role of RBCs is beyond priceless. However, RBCs have a particular life-span. After their stipulated life-span ends, they are replaced by new blood cells.

Life Facts

The RBCs are produced in the bone marrow in the human body. In small children these cells are produced in all the bones. However, in adults RBCs are produced only in particular bones like thoracic bones, vertebrae, cranial bone and ends of femur and humerus bones. The size of the RBCs is as minute as 1/25,000 of an inch. Generally, the life span of RBCs is 120 days. After 120 days, the old RBCs are replaced by new RBCs. The normal red blood cell count is somewhere between 4,600,000 to 6,2000,000 per cubic millimeters.

However, if the life span of the cells is too short and the production of the RBCs is not up to the mark, there is a severe risk of anaemia. There are several problems which can lead to anaemia. Most common causes are hereditary problems which affect the level of hemoglobin adversely, any fall-outs of blood transfusions and poisonous substances can cause RBCs to burst before the life span of the RBCs end. Medical studies have also indicated that RBCs have a specific size. However certain disorders can cause the size of RBCs to vary significantly.

Among anaemic people, the life-span of RBCs is extremely low. This causes severe damage to the oxygen carrying capacity of the cells. The process is not able to respond to the requirements of the body. When the cells die early, before completing their normal life tenure, the bone marrow cannot produce so many cells at a faster rate. Red blood cells also get damaged due to passing through narrow capillaries. Also, as an individual grows old, the red blood cells do not remain strong enough and thus die early.

It is imperative that the life span of the red blood cells remains normal. A variation in it can be extremely harmful for the health of the individual.

Recommended Reading:

1. Blood Cell Types – Learn about Blood Cells - It would be an understatement to say that blood cells are extremely crucial in the human body. Blood cells are...
2. Blood Cell- What is a blood cell? - Blood is a circulating fluid. Blood cell is any type of blood found in the blood or plasma. In mammals...
3. Low Red Blood Cell Count- A dangerous condition - The red blood cells are the most common type of cells. They are also called as RBC's or enthrocytes. They...
4. Enlarged red blood cell – A Dangerous Situation - Red blood cells are the most common blood cells present in the human body. They perform the function of delivering...
5. Small Red Blood cell- The important aspect of a human body - Red Blood Cells are the most common type of blood cells. Also known as the RBC's or enthrocytes principal means...