Question

The life span of RBCs is about _________________whereas the life span of platelets is ________________

• A. 120 days
• B. 3-5 days

Answer 1

The life span of RBCs and platelets

1. The RBCs circulate for about 120 days before they are destroyed in the spleen and liver.
2. After destruction ,the iron part is retained in the liver while the rest is excreted as bilirubin(bile pigment).
3. The blood cells whose function is to prevent bleeding are platelets and they are also called thrombocytes.
4. The life span of platelets is 3 to 5 days after which it is mainly destroyed in spleen.

Final Answer: The life span of RBCs is about 120 days whereas the life span of platelets is 3 to 5 days