How Long Do Blood Cells Live?
Red blood cells typically live for about 120 days. After this lifespan, they are broken down in the bone marrow, spleen, or liver. This lifespan is consistent across numerous sources.
While the lifespan of red blood cells is well-established, it's important to note that other blood cells have varying lifespans. The provided text focuses primarily on red blood cells, but mentions that white blood cells (leukocytes) have different lifespans depending on the type. Further research is needed to determine the specific lifespans of various white blood cell types.
-
Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Approximately 120 days. Multiple sources confirm this average lifespan, noting that older or damaged cells are removed from circulation. This is consistent across studies and observations, as seen in the references. (Source: Multiple references including Memorial Sloan Kettering, Stanford Blood Center, and numerous research articles.)
-
White Blood Cells (WBCs): Lifespan varies greatly depending on the type of white blood cell. More information is needed to define specific lifespans.
The provided references consistently highlight the 120-day lifespan of red blood cells. While the lifespan of white blood cells is mentioned, detailed information on specific white blood cell types is not provided.
