Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Red Blood Cell Structure
Red blood cells (RBCs) are characterized by their biconcave disc shape, which increases surface area for gas exchange and allows flexibility to navigate through capillaries. This unique shape is crucial for their primary function of transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body.
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General Blood Vessel Structure
Lifespan of Red Blood Cells
The average lifespan of red blood cells is approximately 120 days. After this period, they are typically removed from circulation by the spleen and liver, where they are broken down and recycled. Understanding this lifespan is important for comprehending blood health and the body's ability to produce new RBCs.
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Nucleus in Red Blood Cells
Mature red blood cells in humans do not contain nuclei, which is a key distinguishing feature. During their development in the bone marrow, RBCs expel their nuclei to maximize space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport. This absence of a nucleus is essential for their primary function but also limits their ability to repair themselves.
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