Question

Which one of the following human organs is called the graveyard of RBCs?
A. Gall bladder
B. Kidney
C. Spleen
D. Liver

Answer 1

Hint: Red blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow of long bones. However, where are they destroyed then? Can you guess the name of the largest organ of the lymphatic system and what is the primary work of the lymphatic system? By doing so you will be able to derive an answer.

Complete answer:
Red blood cells as previously mentioned are formed by the process of erythropoiesis in the red bone marrow of long bones. They are formed when the proerythroblasts after many generations of reproduction produce cells that begin to synthesize haemoglobin.
They then give rise to reticulocytes when they eject their nucleus from one end. This gives them the typical flat disc shaped structure of the red blood cells. They are then moved from the bone marrow and then into the bloodstream where they mature to give rise to red blood cells.
Considering the function of gallbladder, their primary function is the storage of bile and transporting it to the duodenum when food is present in it.
The liver on the other hand is the largest organ in the body and is mainly concerned with the detoxification of poisons, digestion of food and storage of energy.
The kidneys are the excretory organs of the body and they filter blood and fluids and lead to the formation of urine.
Worn out red blood cells are destroyed in the spleen.

Thus, the correct option is (C) Spleen.

Note:
The function of the spleen is similar to that of a large blood filter. Worn out red blood cells are removed so that there is no load to the flowing of blood in the body and no debris of the worn out cells are collected in the body.