What factors contribute to the short (approximately 120-day) life span of an erythrocyte?
What will be an ideal response?
As they differentiate and mature, erythrocytes lose most of their organelles, thereby forfeiting any mechanism for repair. Also, erythrocytes are exposed to severe stresses caused by making a complete circulatory circuit approximately every 30 seconds, participating in rouleaux, squeezing through small capillaries, and in general suffering much wear and tear from traveling 700 miles in 120 days. After this time they are phagocytized.
You might also like to view...
Bone cells called __________ break down bone by secreting hydrochloric acid and enzymes that dissolve the matrix
A. osteoprogenitor cells B. osteoid cells C. osteocytes D. osteoclasts E. osteoblasts
Which statement accurately describes the articulations between ribs and vertebrae?
A. Two cervical, two lumbar and eight thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs. B. Twelve thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs. C. Two lumbar and ten thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs. D. Three of the cervical and ten of the thoracic vertebrae articulate with ribs. E. Nine thoracic and three lumbar vertebrae articulate with the ribs.
The ________ of a sperm contains the enzymes essential for fertilization
A) acrosomal cap B) neck C) middle piece D) flagellum E) None of the answers is correct.
What structures come off the trachea and enter the lungs?
A. Secondary bronchi B. Primary bronchi C. Alveoli D. Lobar bronchioles E. Pulmonary arterioles