They are cells with high turnover that undergo apoptosis after a relatively short period of time. Red blood cells live for about 120 days. Cells that line the gut live for 3-5 days. Certain B cells, part of the immune system, have a half-life of 5-6 weeks, while others live for only a few days.
The lifespan of an animal cell varies greatly depending on the type of cell and the organism it belongs to. Some cells, such as those in the epidermis (skin) and the lining of the gut, are constantly being replaced and have a lifespan of just a few days. Other cells, such as nerve cells, can live for decades.
In general, most animal cells have a finite lifespan and will eventually die through a process called apoptosis, which is programmed cell death. Apoptosis is a natural process that occurs in all living organisms and helps to maintain tissue homeostasis and prevent the accumulation of damaged or abnormal cells.
Additionally, the lifespan of an animal cell is also related to the age of the organism, as the older the organism, the shorter the lifespan of the cells. For example, the cells of a human fetus have a much longer lifespan than those of an elderly person.
It is worth noting that some cells do not die by apoptosis but by necrosis, this is a type of cell death that occurs due to external factors such as injury, infection, or lack of oxygen.