Identify red and white blood cells in photomicrographs and diagrams

SouravNovember 14, 2024

Answer

Here is a summary of how to identify red and white blood cells in photomicrographs and diagrams, based on the search results:

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

• Appearance:
  • Red blood cells are typically depicted as biconcave discs, which increases their surface area for gas exchange. They lack a nucleus and are around 6-8 micrometers in diameter.
  • In stained blood smears, they appear pink due to the presence of hemoglobin, which binds oxygen.
• Identification in Images:
  • Look for uniform, round shapes without nuclei. They are the most numerous cells in a blood smear, often filling the field of view.
  • Example images can be found in resources like the Histology Guide, which shows scanning electron micrographs highlighting their characteristic shape.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

White blood cells are larger than red blood cells and can be categorized into several types, each with distinct appearances:

1. Neutrophils:
   • Appearance: Multilobed nucleus (typically 2-5 lobes) and pale pink cytoplasm with fine granules. They measure about 12-14 micrometers in diameter.
   • Identification: Look for larger cells with a lobed nucleus; they are often the most abundant type of white blood cell in a smear.
2. Eosinophils:
   • Appearance: Bi-lobed nucleus and large granules that stain orange-pink. They are also about 12-15 micrometers in diameter.
   • Identification: Their distinctive granules and bi-lobed nucleus help differentiate them from other WBCs .
3. Basophils:
   • Appearance: Bi-lobed or tri-lobed nucleus with large blue granules that can obscure the nucleus. They are similar in size to neutrophils.
   • Identification: Look for dark-staining granules that make the nucleus difficult to see .
4. Lymphocytes:
   • Appearance: Small cells (about 7-8 micrometers) with a large, round nucleus that occupies most of the cell volume and a thin rim of cytoplasm.
   • Identification: They have a deep blue-violet staining nucleus and very little cytoplasm .
5. Monocytes:
   • Appearance: Largest WBCs (about 15-30 micrometers) with a kidney-shaped or horseshoe-shaped nucleus and pale blue-gray cytoplasm.
   • Identification: Their size and distinctive nucleus shape help identify them in blood smears .

Resources for Images

For detailed photomicrographs and diagrams showing these blood cells, you can refer to the following resources:

• The Histology Guide provides images of red and white blood cells along with descriptions of their characteristics .
• Wikipedia offers general information about white blood cells, including images that illustrate their various types .
• MedlinePlus includes normal red blood cell images from microscope slides .
• The American Society of Hematology Image Bank contains images of both normal and abnormal blood cells for comparison