Where in the human body do red blood cells originate?

Red blood cells (RBCs) come from the bone marrow, which is housed within the bones, in a process called erythropoiesis.

Bone marrow is a part of the bones, so while it is correct that RBCs come from the marrow, it is only more specific to say as such, and not incorrect to say that the RBCs come from the bones.

In fact, the tibia and femur, the two longest bones in the body produce many RBCs until the age of 25, where they stop contributing, and the main source are the vertebrae, sternum, ribs, and cranial bones.

The spleen serves to filter and destroy old RBCs and the heart only serves as a mechanical pump in order to distribute them.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org

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16 Comments

Christopher J Voce

More precisely marrow. Misleading question in my humble opinion.

Merri Sillery

To all of the people that insist on bone marrow; bone marrow is in the bone therefore, the answer is correct.

✨KRISTA✨

Maturation from erythroid-committed precursors is called terminal erythropoiesis and occurs in the bone marrow within erythroblastic islands, which consists of a central macrophage surrounded by erythroblasts, and ends in the blood stream where reticulocytes complete their maturation within 1-2 days.

Susan Lake-Harris

The author doesn't mention that the liver also removes dead/damaged red blood cells, and that the spleen is used as your emergency mini-blood transfusion if you experience sudden blood loss.

Shirley Dutt

Actually in the bone marrow, not the bones themselves.

elizawheeler

People who are able should consider being tested for bone marrow match for cancer patients who need marrow to treat their cancer. It does not affect the donor's ability to produce blood. Although there is some possible danger during extraction, it is relatively safe and can save a life.

Char

Rafi Manory, yes the bone is outside but the marrow is inside that same bone so it's correct

Char

I knew it was the marrow inside the hip bone to start

Lupe Hernandez

Bone marrow is in the bone, answer is correct.

Howard Groopman

"Marrow" might have made it too obvious a choice.

David Stuckey

Coincidentally, a scientific paper was published this same week, that demonstrates red blood cells are also manufactured by leftover stem cells found in the mesothial tissues as well, though this source fades over time as those cells differentiate into other tissues.