Red blood cells have a biconcave disc shape that allows them to squeeze through small blood vessels without damage while providing a large surface area for gas exchange. Their diameter is typically 7.2-7.5 micrometers. Variations in size (anisocytosis) or shape (poikilocytosis) can indicate different types of anemia, such as microcytic anemia from iron deficiency or sickle cell anemia where cells take on a sickle shape. Morphological analysis of red blood cells is important for diagnosing anemia.

1. RBC -MORPHOLOGY
DR SARANYA

2. BLOOD
 PLASMA : FLUID PORTION
 FORMED ELEMENTS : RED BLOOD CELLS
(ERYTHROCYTES)
WHITE BLOOD CELLS
PLATELETS

4. RBC MORPHOLOGY
SHAPE :
o Biconcave and disc shaped –Thin center and thick periphery
o Center portion is pale –occupies 1/3rd of cell’s diameter

6. ADVANTAGES OF BICONCAVE SHAPE
 Can easily squeeze through the capillaries while passing
without getting damaged.
 Provides large surface area for absorption and removal of
different substances.
 Helps in equal and rapid diffusion of O2 and other
substances into the interior of the cell.

7. SIZE :
 Diameter : 7.2 – 7.5 micrometer
 Thickness : center 1 micrometer
periphery 2.2 micrometer
 Volume : 80-90 cu. micrometer

10.  No nucleus
 No organelles
 Cell membrane contains a contractile protein, SPECTRIN,
maintain shape and flexibility of RBC membrane
 120 day life span
 Filled with Hemoglobin , transports O2
STRUCTURE

11. ANISOCYTOSIS :
Variation in the size of RBC.
It may be:
 MICROCYTIC: smaller, <6 micrometer
 MACROCYTIC : larger, > 8.5 micrometer

15.  Normochromic : normal colour
 Hypochromic
 Hyperchromic
CHROMIA

18. POIKILOCYTOSIS:
Variation in shape of RBC

19. 1.OVALOCYTES / ELLIPTOCYTES :
 Hereditary elliptocytosis
[Hereditary ovalocytosis]

20. 2.PENCIL SHAPED CELLS
Elongated thin cells ( exaggerated ovalocytes)
Iron deficiency anemia

22. 3. SPHEROCYTES
 Smaller than normal
 Absent central pallor
 Found in Hereditary spherocytosis

24. 4. TARGET CELLS /LEPTOCYTES
 Central round area of staining surrounded by a
ring of pallor. And then an outer border which is
stained again.
 Thalassemia
 Liver disase
 Post splenectomy

26. 4. SICKLE CELLS
 Elongated and distorted like a sickle
 Tapered at both ends and loss of central
pallor
 Sickle cell disease

29. 5. SCHISTOCYTES
Irregular shaped cells or cell fragments
Hemolytic anemia

31. 6. ACANTHOCYTES
Irregularly spaced thorn like projections
Hemolytic anemia , liver disease

32. 7. BURR CELLS/ ECHINOCYTES
Regularly spaced projectios
Uremia

34. 8. TEAR DROP CELLS ( DACRYOCYTE )
 Thalassemia major
 Myeloproliferative syndrome

36. 9. STOMATOCYTES
It has central slit / stoma (mouth)
 Normal people
 Cardiovascular and pulmonary disorder
 Hereditary
 Alcoholism, Liver disease

39. MORPHOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF ANEMIA
1.MICROCYTIC HYPOCHROMIC :
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Thalassemia
• Anemia of chronic disease

41. 2.NORMOCYTIC NORMOCHROMIC
 Acute blood loss
 Hemolytic anemias
 Anemia of chronic disorder

42. 3.MACROCYTIC ANEMIA
 Vit b12 deficiency
 Folic acid deficiency