Both the liver and the spleen have a role in erythrocyte metabolism. How would this role best be described?
A) The spleen helps in creating mature erythrocytes.
B) The liver generates erythropoietin which regulates the rate of erythrocyte production.
C) The spleen stores the iron component of hemoglobin from erythrocytes and returns it to the red marrow.
D) The spleen removes erythrocytes after 120 days, and the liver removes severely damaged erythrocytes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The spleen removes erythrocytes after their lifespan of 120 days, and the liver removes severely damaged or old erythrocytes. Both organs play a role in the breakdown of erythrocytes and recycling of their components, including heme and iron. The liver also synthesizes plasma proteins, including transferrin, which binds to iron and transports it to the bone marrow for erythrocyte production. However, it does not generate erythropoietin, which is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels and stimulates erythrocyte production in the bone marrow.

Both the Liver and the Spleen Have a Role in Erythrocyte