Aged and damaged erythrocytes are broken down by macrophages in the

Options

A. spleen
B. liver
C. bone marrow
D. spleen, liver, and bone marrow

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Erythrocytes**: Erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), are responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Over time, these cells can become aged or damaged.

2. **Role of Macrophages**: Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are responsible for engulfing and digesting cellular debris, pathogens, and aged or damaged cells, including erythrocytes.

3. **Location of Breakdown**: The primary site for the breakdown of aged and damaged erythrocytes is the spleen. The spleen is often referred to as the "graveyard of RBCs" because it filters the blood and removes old or dysfunctional red blood cells.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that aged and damaged erythrocytes are broken down by macrophages in the spleen.

**Final Answer**: The aged and damaged erythrocytes are broken down by macrophages in the spleen.

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