Select the language

Notifications

Loading…

Red blood cells live about 120 days

Red blood cells live about 120 days

Red blood cells live about 120 days

A typical red blood cell circulates for about four months, then the spleen and liver retire it. Iron is recycled; the rest is broken down.

Mature red cells have no nucleus, which leaves more room for hemoglobin but means they cannot divide or repair themselves the way many other cells can.

Your blood is always a mix of ages. Fresh cells from marrow replace the ones finishing their 120-day tour.

Shahzad Mahota Shahzad Mahota @shahzad-mahota

Red blood cells live about 120 days