The spleen is the most common site of extravascular hemolysis, where old or damaged red blood cells are destroyed by white blood cells called macrophages. This process occurs as blood filters through the spleen.
Intravascular hemolysis is another type of red blood cell destruction, but this happens within the blood vessels.
Examples of blood destruction in the spleen:
- Normal red blood cell turnover: The spleen constantly removes old, worn-out red blood cells from circulation.
- Hemolytic anemia: In this condition, red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, leading to an increased workload for the spleen.
- Sickle cell disease: The spleen is often damaged in individuals with sickle cell disease, as the abnormal red blood cells can clog the spleen's blood vessels.
Note: While the spleen is the primary site of red blood cell destruction, other organs, such as the liver, can also contribute to this process.
