 Thus, an anatomical approach to heme metabolism precedes a discussion of the pathophysiology of jaundice.When red blood cells complete their life span of approximately 120 days, or if they are damaged, they rupture as they pass through the reticuloendothelial system and cell content including hemoglobin is released into circulation.Macrophages phagocytose free hemoglobin and split them into heme and globin.