Hemolysis - What is and definition

What is Hemolysis and Definition

The destruction and disassembly of erythrocytes (red BLOOD cells). Erythrocytes live in the blood for about 120 days after their release from the BONE MARROW. At the end of this time they either die or the SPLEEN culls them from circulation. The spleen partially dismantles the erythrocytes, reducing toxic heme into BILIRUBIN that the body excretes with the BILE. The LIVER then recycles these components for numerous other uses in the body. Accelerated hemolysis, which results in ANEMIA, can occur with, or characterizes, various disorders.

See also APOPTOSIS; CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION; PHAGOCYTOSIS; SPLENOMEGALY.

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