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→Breakdown
Around 90% of erythrocytes are phagocytised by [[Macrophages|macrophages]] in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]], [[Spleen - Anatomy & Physiology|spleen]] and [[Bone Marrow - Anatomy & Physiology|bone marrow]], with the other 10% breaking down in circulation.
Around 90% of erythrocytes are phagocytised by [[Macrophages|macrophages]] in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]], [[Spleen - Anatomy & Physiology|spleen]] and [[Bone Marrow - Anatomy & Physiology|bone marrow]], with the other 10% breaking down in circulation.
Following phagocytosis, haemoglobin is broken down into haem and globin. Globin, a protein, is hydrolysed into amino acids while the haem is transformed into biliverdin and then into bilirubin before being excreted into the blood stream bound to albumin. In the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] it is conjugated and excreted into bile which in turn is excreted into the [[Alimentary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology#Stomach|gut]]. The iron from haem is either stored as insoluble ferritin in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] (hepatocytes and [[Macrophages|macrophages]]) or is directly transported to the [[Bone Marrow - Anatomy & Physiology|bone marrow]] by transferring for reuse in [[Erythropoiesis|erythropoiesis]].
Following phagocytosis, haemoglobin is broken down into haem and globin. Globin, a protein, is hydrolysed into amino acids while the haem is transformed into biliverdin and then into bilirubin before being excreted into the blood stream bound to albumin. In the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] it is conjugated and excreted into bile which in turn is excreted into the [[Alimentary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology#Stomach|gastro-intestinal system]]. The iron from haem is either stored as insoluble ferritin in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] (in hepatocytes and [[Macrophages|macrophages]]) or it is directly transported to the [[Bone Marrow - Anatomy & Physiology|bone marrow]] for reuse in [[Erythropoiesis|erythropoiesis]].
[[Image:Haem Breakdown.jpg|center|thumb|350px|<div style="text-align: center;"><p>'''Haem breakdown pathway'''</p><sup>©Nottingham Uni 2008</sup></div>]]
[[Image:Haem Breakdown.jpg|center|thumb|375px|<div style="text-align: center;"><p>'''Haem breakdown pathway'''</p><sup>©Nottingham Uni 2008</sup></div>]]
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[[Category:Blood Cells]]
[[Category:Blood Cells]]