j. Development of the Basophilic Group. These cells have round, indented,
band, or lobulated nuclei and are classified according to the shape of the nuclei, as
basophilic rnyelocytes, metamyelocytes, bands, and segmented forms. These cells are
so few in peripheral blood and bone marrow that there is little clinical value in
differentiation of the various maturation stages.
Figure 4-3f. Granulocytic series:
a. Basophil.
b. Neutrophil: Segmented.
k. Mature Basophils.
Size. Ten to 15 microns in diameter.
(1)
(2) Nucleus. The nucleus has definite lobes separated by a very narrow
filament or strand. The nuclear details are obscured by the cytoplasmic granulation.
(3) Cytoplasm. The cytoplasm is covered by many blue to black granules.
These granules are unevenly distributed and vary in number, size, shape, and color.
4-7.
AGRANULOCYTES
Agranulocytes are leukocytes devoid of specific granulation. These cells
generally originate in the lymphatic system, but can be found in normal bone marrow.
Agranulocytes include the lymphocytic series, monocytic series, and plasmocytic series.
4-8.
LYMPHOCYTIC SERIES
The stages in the development of the lymphocytic series are: lymphoblast,
prolymphocyte, and lymphocyte. These cells are fragile and can show shape variants.
Lymphocytes usually have round contours, blue cytoplasm, and eccentrically located
round nuclei. Cells of this series are differentiated on the basis of the nuclear
chromatin.
MD0853
4-16