MLT 251 - Hematopoiesis: Leukocytes TERMs

Familiarize yourself with more hematology terms.

Primary granules

Secondary granules

Smaller granules found in neutrophils, containing enzymes such as lactoferrin and lysozyme, which help combat infections.

Azurophilic granules

Large granules that contain enzymes and are found in myeloid cells are essential for immune function.

Clusters of Differentiation

A classification system for proteins on the surface of immune cells, used to identify and differentiate between various cell types in the immune system.

Reactive lymphocyte

A type of lymphocyte that appears reactive or activated, often associated with viral infections and exhibiting distinct morphological changes.

Plasmacyte

A type of differentiated B cell that produces antibodies, characterized by an eccentric nucleus and abundant cytoplasm. Plasmacytes play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response.

Immunoglobulin

A type of antibody produced by plasma cells, essential for immune response.

Pseudopod

A temporary, protruding extension of a cell used for movement or feeding, commonly seen in amoeboid cells and certain leukocytes.

Thrombopoietin

A hormone produced primarily by the liver and kidneys that stimulates the production of platelets from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.

Thrombocytopoiesis

The process of platelet production from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.

Halomere

The region in a blood platelet that is rich in microtubules and helps maintain its shape and structure.

Granulomere

The central, denser part of a platelet, also known as the granulomere, which contains granules filled with clotting factors and enzymes essential for blood coagulation.

Morulae

Early embryonic cell clusters that form post-fertilization, leading to blastocyst development.

Anaplasma

A genus of bacteria that are obligate intracellular pathogens, known for causing various diseases in animals and humans, including ehrlichiosis.

Erlichiosis

A bacterial infection caused by tick-borne organisms that infect white blood cells, leading to fever and other flu-like symptoms.

Auer rods

Abnormal cytoplasmic inclusions found in myeloid cells, indicative of acute myeloid leukemia.

Dohle body

Cytoplasmic inclusions in white blood cells that are indicative of infections or toxic conditions.

Vacuolization

The process in which vacuoles form within the cytoplasm of cells, often seen in leukocytes during certain infections or conditions.

Toxic granulation

The presence of coarse granules in the cytoplasm of neutrophils, often associated with inflammation or infection.

Hypogranulation

A condition in which there is a decreased number of granules in the cytoplasm of leukocytes, often associated with certain bone marrow disorders or infections.

Hypersegmentation

A condition characterized by an increased number of nuclear lobes in neutrophils, often associated with megaloblastic anemia or certain deficiencies.

Pelger Huet Anomaly

A genetic condition resulting in neutrophils with bi-lobed nuclei, often seen in myeloproliferative disorders.

Pseudo-Pelger Huet

An acquired condition resembling Pelger-Huet anomaly, often associated with myelodysplastic syndromes or certain leukemias, characterized by hyposegmented neutrophils.

Pyknotic

Describes the appearance of condensed, darkly staining nuclear material in cells, often indicating cell death or abnormality.

Necrotic

Describes cells that have died due to injury or disease, often leading to tissue damage and inflammation.

Platelet satellitism

It is a phenomenon where platelets aggregate around the nuclei of white blood cells, typically seen in certain blood disorders or conditions.

Smudge cells

Cells with disrupted membranes are often seen in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, characterized by their fragility and appearance in blood smears.

NRBCs

Nucleated red blood cells that are typically seen in the peripheral blood in conditions like anemia or hypoxia, indicating a response to stress or disease.