What is the process called when red blood cells are destroyed, releasing hemoglobin into the bloodstream?

The process you're referring to is known as hemolysis, which specifically involves the breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs). During hemolysis, the cell membranes of the red blood cells are ruptured, leading to the release of hemoglobin directly into the bloodstream. This can occur under various conditions, including certain diseases, infections, or immune responses.

Understanding this concept is crucial in medical contexts because prolonged hemolysis can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which may result in anemia and other related complications. The released hemoglobin can also affect various physiological processes, including the filtering function of the kidneys.

In contrast, infarction refers to tissue death due to the loss of blood supply, coagulation relates to the process of blood clotting, and hemostasis is the process of stopping bleeding after vascular injury. Each of these processes plays distinct roles in the body’s response to injury and disease, highlighting the unique nature of hemolysis in the specific context of red blood cell destruction.