Which of the following types of anemia is characterized by excessive destruction of erythrocytes?

A. While phagocytes can move to areas of damage, their primary function is not to clump together and adhere to tissues, but rather to engulf and digest foreign materials.

B. Phagocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils, are specialized white blood cells that ingest and digest foreign pathogens, dead cells, and debris within damaged tissues. This is their main characteristic and function.

C. The release of histamine is typically associated with mast cells, not phagocytes. Histamine helps to initiate inflammatory responses, but phagocytes are involved in engulfing pathogens rather than releasing histamine.

D. Transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues is the role of red blood cells, not phagocytes. Phagocytes are involved in immune defense, not oxygen transport.

A. The stomach plays a key role in digestion by breaking down food mechanically and chemically but does not play a significant role in nutrient absorption.

B. The large intestine is primarily involved in water and electrolyte absorption, as well as the formation of feces. It does not significantly contribute to nutrient absorption.

C. While some digestion begins in the mouth, particularly with enzymes in saliva, nutrient absorption does not occur there.

D. The small intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption in the digestive system. Its walls are lined with villi and microvilli that increase surface area for the absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.