Red-cell circulation time
Red-cell circulation time is the typical duration for a red blood cell to complete a full circuit through the human circulatory system at rest.
Also known as: red blood cell circulation time, blood circulation time
How big is it?
1 min · representative whole-body circuit time
Representative whole-body circuit time · representative
Typical recorded range: 45 s to 1.5 min.
A little perspective
Red-cell circulation time vs A song: duration comparison
The duration of a song is about 3.5 times the circulation time of a red blood cell.
ELAPSED TIME
Red-cell circulation time is the typical duration for a red blood cell to complete a full circuit through the human circulatory system at rest.
A song is a musical composition intended to be performed vocally or instrumentally.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Red-cell circulation time
Representative whole-body circuit time: 1 min; representative; range 45 s–1.5 min.
A representative one-minute circulation time for a red blood cell completing a systemic and pulmonary circuit at rest. Cardiac output, path and physiological state change the transit time.
NCBI Bookshelf — Red blood cell physiology
The marked representative whole-body circuit time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
A song
Time: 3.5 min; reference interval.
A defined 3.5-minute song.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1 min
We compare the circulation time of a red blood cell. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary. The recorded range is 45 s to 1.5 min.
A representative one-minute circulation time for a red blood cell completing a systemic and pulmonary circuit at rest. Cardiac output, path and physiological state change the transit time.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 min | 45 s to 1.5 min | representative |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueGravity and forceTen-metre centrifuge at two rpm30 sRotation periodA ten-metre centrifuge at two rpm is a rotating device used to simulate artificial gravity by spinning samples at a controlled speed.
Nearest higher valueTime and durationA song3.5 minTimeA song is a musical composition intended to be performed vocally or instrumentally.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NCBI Bookshelf — Red blood cell physiologyHuman erythrocyte circulation and approximately 120-day lifespan; circulation time varies with physiology.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MicroscopicRed blood cell7.5 µmA red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.PeopleRed-cell lifespan120 daysRed-cell lifespan is the average time a human red blood cell remains in circulation before being removed from the bloodstream.TimeA song3.5 minA song is a musical composition intended to be performed vocally or instrumentally.
SpaceEarth–Sun distance1 AUThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.GravityTen-metre centrifuge at two rpm0.4387 NA ten-metre centrifuge at two rpm is a rotating device used to simulate artificial gravity by spinning samples at a controlled speed.GravityParabolic-flight microgravity arc0.02 NA parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.TimeHeartbeat1 sA heartbeat is the regular contraction of the heart that pumps blood through the body.
TimeFree neutron mean lifetime14.67 minFree neutron mean lifetime is the average time a neutron exists outside an atomic nucleus before decaying into other particles.