blood cell morphology

1. By examining the morphology of
blood cells, medical
professionals can gain valuable
insights into potential health
issues. Abnormalities in size,
shape, number, or presence of
specific granules can indicate
conditions like anemia,
leukemia, infections, and
allergies.
blood cell morphology 1

2. The morphology, or physical
characteristics, of blood cells
provide valuable information
about their function and
potential health issues. Let's
dive into the different types of
blood cells and their unique
morphologies:
blood cell morphology 2

3. Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
•Shape: Biconcave discs, resembling deflated ping pong
balls
• maximizing surface area for efficient
oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange
blood cell morphology 3

4. 1. Size: Approximately 7-8 micrometers in
diameter with a central pale area due to
the absence of a nucleus (anucleate).
2. Cytoplasm: Packed with hemoglobin, a
protein responsible for oxygen transport.
3. Function: Carry oxygen from the lungs to
tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues
back to the lungs.
blood cell morphology 4

5. White Blood Cells (WBCs)
There are five main types of
white blood cells, each with
distinct morphologies and
functions:
•Neutrophils:
1. Shape: Polymorphonucle
ar (multi-lobed nucleus)
2. Size: Largest WBCs (10-
15 micrometers)
3. Cytoplasm: Granular with
pale pink, lilac, or blue
granules
4. Function: Phagocytosis
(engulfing and destroying
bacteria and other
pathogens) blood cell morphology 5

6. 1. Lymphocytes: Shape: Large
round nucleus with scant
cytoplasm
2. Size: Smaller than
neutrophils (8-10
micrometers)
3. Cytoplasm: Scant, pale blue
to basophilic
4. Function: Immune response
(B cells produce
antibodies, T cells attack
infected cells and regulate
immune system)
blood cell morphology 6

7. 1. Monocytes :
Shape: Horseshoe-shaped
or kidney-shaped nucleus
2. Size: Largest WBCs with
neutrophils (12-20
micrometers)
3. Cytoplasm: Abundant, gray-
blue with fine granules
4. Function: Phagocytosis and
antigen presentation
(presenting antigens to
lymphocytes for immune
response)
blood cell morphology 7

8. •Eosinophils: Shape: Bilobed
nucleus
1. Size: Similar to neutrophils
2. Cytoplasm: Filled with
large, red-orange granules
3. Function: Involved in allergic
reactions and parasitic
infections
blood cell morphology 8

9. •Basophils:
• Shape: Bilobed or trilobed
nucleus
1. Size: Smallest WBCs (8-
10 micrometers)
2. Cytoplasm: Filled with
large, basophilic (blue-
staining) granules
3. Function: Release
histamine and other
chemicals involved in
allergic reactions and
inflammation
blood cell morphology 9

10. Platelets
•Shape: Irregular, disc-shaped
with pseudopods (finger-like
projections)
1. Size: Smaller than RBCs (2-
4 micrometers)
2. Cytoplasm: Granular with
pale blue to purple granules
3. Function: Involved in blood
clotting and wound healing
blood cell morphology 10