Dead cells in our bodies are handled in different ways depending on their location and the cause of death.
- Surface cells: Cells on the surface of our bodies, like those in our skin, are constantly sloughed off and discarded. You shed up to 40,000 dead skin cells every day!
- Internal cells: Cells that die inside our bodies are often scavenged by phagocytes, which are white blood cells that engulf and digest other cells. The energy from these dead cells is partly recycled to make other white blood cells.
- Cell parts: When cells die, their components are broken down and reused by the body. For example, the proteins in dead cells can be deaminated in the liver, and the nitrogen is excreted.
The process of clearing dead cells is crucial to prevent inflammation and maintain healthy tissues. Inefficient engulfment of dead cells can lead to various health issues, including autoimmune diseases.
