Where does extravascular phagocytosis of red cells occur?
Spleen and liver
Extravascular phagocytosis of red cells occurs mainly in the spleen and liver. In healthy individuals, old and damaged red blood cells are removed by macrophages in these organs through a process called erythrophagocytosis. During this process, macrophages recognize and engulf the damaged RBCs, break them down, and recycle the iron and other components back into the body while removing the waste products. This process helps maintain the health and function of circulating blood by removing old, damaged, or abnormal red blood cells. However, in some diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, or parasitic infections, extravascular phagocytosis can be exaggerated, leading to excessive destruction of red blood cells and anemia.
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