PRELIM: WBC Morphology

Protecting the body against infection, inflammation, and immune threats

Which statement best describes the primary role of white blood cells (WBCs), also called leukocytes?

4.5–11.0 × 10⁹/L

The normal adult WBC count is approximately:

Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils

Which group contains only granulocytes?

Lymphocytes and monocytes

Which group consists entirely of agranulocytes?

Neutrophil

A WBC measures approximately 12–15 μm, has 2–5 nuclear lobes, and contains fine pink cytoplasmic granules. Which cell is being described?

Phagocytosis

Which function is most characteristic of neutrophils?

They act as early responders to bacterial infection.

A patient has an increased number of neutrophils during an acute bacterial infection. Which normal role of neutrophils best explains this finding?

50–70%

The normal differential count for neutrophils is approximately:

Multilobed nucleus with fine pink granules

Which combination best identifies a normal neutrophil?

Round dense nucleus with a thin rim of sky-blue cytoplasm

Which morphology is most characteristic of a normal lymphocyte?

The nucleus occupies a large proportion of the cell.

A lymphocyte has a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio. What does this mean morphologically?

Antibody production and cellular immunity

Which function is associated with lymphocytes?

20–40%

The normal lymphocyte percentage is approximately:

Monocyte

Which WBC is the largest circulating leukocyte under normal conditions?

Monocyte

A peripheral blood smear shows a large WBC with a kidney-shaped nucleus, gray-blue cytoplasm, and occasional vacuoles. Which cell is most likely present?

Phagocytosis and antigen presentation

Which combination represents major functions of monocytes?

Bilobed nucleus and large orange-red granules

Which morphology is most characteristic of an eosinophil?

Helminthic infection

Which clinical condition is most strongly associated with increased eosinophils?

Allergy, asthma, and parasite destruction

Eosinophils are particularly associated with which combination of functions or conditions?

S-shaped nucleus with large dark blue-black granules

Which description best matches a normal basophil?

Histamine

Which substance is specifically associated with basophil function in the provided material?

Hypersensitivity reactions

Basophils are particularly associated with:

Toxic granulation

A neutrophil contains unusually large, dark blue primary granules during a severe infection. Which morphologic change is present?

Severe infection and inflammation

Toxic granulation is most closely associated with:

Sepsis, pneumonia, burns, and severe inflammation

Which combination is associated with toxic granulation?

It indicates accelerated granulopoiesis.

What is the clinical significance of toxic granulation?

Döhle bodies

A neutrophil shows small pale-blue inclusions near the cell periphery. What are these structures called?

Sepsis, pregnancy, burns, and trauma

Which situation can be associated with Döhle bodies?

Cytoplasmic vacuoles

A neutrophil contains clear holes within its cytoplasm caused by active phagocytosis. What morphologic finding is this?

Severe bacterial infection and septicemia

Cytoplasmic vacuoles in neutrophils are particularly associated with: