Question

Worn out RBCs are destroyed by

• A. Kupffer cells
• B. Bone cells
• C. Mast cells
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Kupffer cells

Kupffer cells, also known as stellate macrophages are specialized macrophages located in the liver lining the walls of the sinusoids. They capture and destroy old and worn out RBCs passing through the sinusoids.

Red blood cells are broken down by their phagocytic action, where the hemoglobin molecule is split. The globin chains are re-utilized, while the iron-containing portion, heme, is further broken down into iron, which is re-utilized, and bilirubin, which is conjugated to glucuronic acid within hepatocytes and secreted into the bile.