Section III. NORMAL CELL MATURATION
1-7.
GENERAL FEATURES
In the course of blood cell maturation, certain specific features are developed
(see Figure 1-4). Each of the component parts of the cell undergoes a transformation
during maturation. The immature cell or blast cell contains a large nucleus, a small
amount of cytoplasm, and no granules. As the cell ages, the cytoplasm becomes less
basophilic and nuclear chromatin becomes heavier (darker stain). Reduction in size
and loss of nucleoli occurs as the cell becomes older. The three types of granulation
(neutrophilic, basophilic, and eosinophilic) become more specific and smaller as the cell
ages. Maturation, in general, involves: (1) cytoplasmic differentiation, (2) nuclear
maturation, and (3) reduction in cell size.
Figure 1-4. Development of blood cells.
MD0853
1-8