MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -About 90% of the red blood cells are recycled by macrophages within the spleen, liver and lymph nodes. The remaining 10% of the red blood cells lyse directly in the blood plasma as a result of some pressure or force. The remnants of the lysed cell are eventually picked up by circulating macrophages.

Detailed explanation-2: -LIVER IRON STORAGE Since free intracellular iron is toxic, the majority of iron in the cells is stored in ferritin, which is discussed above in more detail. Within the liver all cell types can store iron, but under normal conditions hepatocytes represent the major storage site.

Detailed explanation-3: -Breaking down hemoglobin Old or damaged RBCs are removed from the circulation by macrophages in the spleen and liver, and the hemoglobin they contain is broken down into heme and globin. The globin protein may be recycled, or broken down further to its constituent amino acids, which may be recycled or metabolized.