How Long Can Live Outside the Body?

Red blood cells: Up to 120 days.**

These tiny, disk-shaped cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Once they age, they're removed from circulation by the spleen and liver and broken down into their components, including iron.**

White blood cells: Hours to days**

These infection-fighting cells have relatively short lifespans. Some live for only a few hours, while others can survive for a few days.**

Platelets: Up to 10 days.

These tiny cell fragments help stop bleeding by clumping together to form a plug. Platelets are constantly being produced by the bone marrow.**

Epithelial cells: Weeks.**

Epithelial cells cover the surfaces of your body, inside and out, acting as protective barriers. The linings of your digestive tract and mouth may be renewed every few days, while skin cells can live for several weeks.**

Nerve cells: Years, decades,or a** lifetime*.*

These specialized cells transmit messages throughout the body. Once developed, they don't divide or regenerate like most other cells in the body. That explains why brain damage and spinal cord injuries are so devastating**