Angeles University Foundation Prelims

HISTOLOGY

Introduction to Histology

Histology
• Also known as “Microscopic Anatomy” Parts of the Microscope
• Scientific study of microscopic structures of tissues and
organs of the body

Types of Microscopy
Brightfield Microscopy
• Used for routine urinalysis

• Consist of a two lens system

combined with a light source.

Phase Contrast
• Enhances visualization of elements
with low refractive indices, such as
hyaline casts, mucous threads, and
Trichomonas.

. Lens System
Polarizing Microscopy • oculars, objectives, coarse and fine adjustment knob.

• A i d s i n i d e n t i fi c a t i o n o f
cholesterol in oval fat bodies,
fatty casts, and crystals.

• “anisotropic” structures
.

Interference Contrast
Resolution
• Produces a three-dimensional
• Ability of the lens to distinguish two small objects that are
image and layer-by-layer imaging of
a specimen.
a specific distance apart

Magnification
.

Darkfield Microscopy • Factor by which the image appears to be enlarged

• Aids in identification of Treponema

pallidum.
Parfocal
.
• Distance between the sample and the intermediate image
Fluorescence is made the same for each member of the objective
• Allows visualization of naturally
system

fluorescent microorganisms or
those stained by fluorescent dye Scanner - Red; LPO - Yellow; HPO - Blue; OIO - White
including labeled antigen and (Cedar Wood Oil)
antibodies
Electron microscope Illumination System
• Transmission
• Light source, Condenser,
• Scanning 
 Rheostat, Field and iris 

diaphragm 


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Body
• Base, Body tube,
Nosepiece,
Mechanical stage 


How to Care for the Microscope

Usage:
1. Always cover when not in use to protect it from dust.

2. If optical surface becomes coated with dust remove with

a camel-hair brush.

Cleaning
3. Optical surfaces should be cleaned with lens paper.

4. Clean contaminated lens immediately with 


commercial lens cleaner.

5. An oil immersion lens must be wiped free of 


oil and cleaned after each use.

Maintenance
6. Annual professional cleaning for the 

microscope is recommended.

7. Light source are replaced as necessary. 


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HISTOLOGY

Cytology & Gametogenesis


Cell Integral Membrane Protein

• Incorporated within the membrane

• e.g. Transmembrane Proteins: membrane proteins that

encompass or span the entire thickness of cell membrane

Peripheral Membrane Protein

• Do not protrude within the phospholipid bilayer and are not
e m b e d d e d i n t h e c e l l . S o m e a re a n c h o re d i n
microfilaments

Glycocalyx
• Located on the external surface of the cell membrane. -
has an important role in:

1. Cell recognition

2. Cell-to-cell attachments

3. Receptor/Binding sites for different blood borne

hormones.

Permeability and Transport

• Main function is to maintain homeostasis (maintaining the .

internal environment of the body in a relatively constant Selective Permeable / Semi-Permeable

state)
• Permeable to certain substances and impermeable to
some

Cytoplasm
• Dense, fluid-like medium that holds organelles, Permeable Impermeable
microtubules, microfilaments, and membrane-bound
Oxygen Glucose
secretory granule or ingested material.

.
Carbon dioxide Ions
Cell membrane
Water Proteins

Steroids

Other lipid soluble chemicals

Endocytosis
• Uptake and transfer of molecules and solids across the
cell membrane.

Exocytosis
• Release of material from the cell cytoplasm across the cell
membrane

• Consists of a phospholipid bilayer and cholesterol.

Pinocytosis
• Contains embedded integral membrane proteins and • Process wherein a cell ingest or uptake of extracellular
peripheral membrane proteins
fluid (cell drinking)

Functions of Cholesterol Phagocytosis

• Stabilizes the cell membrane
• Process wherein cell ingest solid particles (cell eating)

• Makes the membrane more rigid

• Regulates the fluidity of the phospholipid bilayer

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Cellular Component of the Cell

Organelle/ Cellular
Structure Major Function
Component
Plasma Membrane Acts as a physical barrier to enclose cell contents;
Regulates material; Movement into and out of the cell

Cilia Short, numerous membrane extensions supported by Move substances (e.g. mucus and dissolved materials)
microtubules, which occur on exposed membrane surfaces of over the cell surface
some cells

Flagellum Long, singular membrane extension
 Motility of cell

supported by microtubules; present on sperm cells

Microvilli Numerous thin membrane folds projecting from the free cell Increase membrane surface area for greater absorption
surface; supported by microfilaments

Nucleus Large structure enclosed within
 Houses the DNA that serves as the genetic material for
a double membrane;
 directing protein synthesis
contains chromatin, nucleolus, and nucleoplasm

Nuclear Envelope Double membrane boundary between cytoplasm and nuclear Separates nucleus from cytoplasm
contents; continuous with rough endoplasmic reticulum

Nucleolus Where rRNA transcription and ribosomal subunits

assembly occur

Chromatin Combination of protein and its associated proteins

Cytosol Viscous fluid medium with dissolved solutes (eg, ions, proteins, Support for organelles; viscous fluid medium where
carbohydrates, lipids) diffusion occurs

Rough Endoplasmic Extensive interconnected membrane network (eg, cisternae, Modifies, transports and stores proteins produced by
Reticulum tubules);
 attached ribosomes
ribosomes attached on cytoplasmic surface

Smooth Endoplasmic Extensive interconnected membrane network lacking ribosomes Synthesizes, transports and stores lipids; metabolizes
Reticulum carbohydrates

Golgi Apparatus Series of several elongated, flattened saclike membranous Modifies, packages and sorts materials that arrive from
structures. the ER in transport vesicles; Forms secretory vesicles
and lysosomes

Vesicles Spherical-shaped membrane bound sacs; contain various types Transports cellular membrane
of materials to be transported through the cell

Lysosomes Spherical-shaped membrane bound sacs; contain various types Digest microbes or materials (worn-out cellular
of materials to be transported through the cell components)

Peroxisomes Smaller, spherical-shaped membrane-bound organelles from the Detoxify specific harmful substances (Either produces
ER that contain oxidative enzymes by the cell or taken into the cell)

Mitochondria Double membrane-bound organelles containing a circular strand Synthesize most ATP during aerobic cellular respiration
of DNA (genes for producing mitochondrial proteins)

Free Ribosome Composed of both protein and ribosomal RNA (Free or Bound) Produce proteins used within the cell

Bound Ribosome Produce proteins that are secreted, incorporated into

the plasma membranes and within lysosomes

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Cell Division
• Process by which a cell divides to form daughter cells

Prokaryote
• No nucleus

• Binary Fission: Forms two new identical cell

Eukaryote
• True nucleus

• Mitosis: replacement or repair of damaged cells: cell/

organism growth

• Meiosis: Formation of gamete

Meiosis
Mitosis

Interphase

G0: cells
differentiate and S: DNA Replication
specializes cell

cycles activities
are temporarily or
permanently
G2: Preparation for
supported
Mitosis

Mitosis Meiosis
G1: Cells accumulate enzymes and
nucleotides required for DNA End Product 2 daughter cells 4 unique
replication daughter cells

Quiescence: cell differentiation Type of Cell Somatic cell Gametes

Purpose Growth and Reproduction

PMAT Maintenance
Prophase • Nucleus envelope disappears

Chromosome of Same Half number of

• Chromosome condensed

• Centrioles migrate from Daughter cell chromosome as chromosome as

opposite poles
parent cell parent cell
• Grow of microtubules spindle

• Chromosome aligns at the

Number of 46 chromosome 23 chromosome
Metaphase chromosomes
center (equitorial plate)

• Chromosome condense into

kinetochores
Daughter cells 2 diploid 4 haploid
• Each centromere attached to
mitotic spindle

Anaphase • Sister chromatids separated

and pulls toward opposite
poles

• Formation of cleavage furrow

Telophase • Nuclear envelope appears

• Cytokinesis occurs

• C l e a v a g e f u r ro w i s m o re
evident

Cytokinesis: physical process of division of the cytoplasm

to form new daughter cells

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HISTOLOGY

Epithelial Tissue

Basic Types of Tissue
• Epithelial: Covering

Special Surface Modifications

• Connective: Support

• Muscular: Movement
Cilia
• Nervous: Control
• Motile structures found on certain cells in the uterine
tubes, uterus, and conducting tubes of the respiratory
These tissues exist and function in close association with one another system

Microvilli
Epithelial Tissue • Small, nonmotile projections that cover all absorptive cells
• Consists of sheets of cells that cover the external in the small intestine and proximal convoluted tubules in
surfaces of the body
the kidney

• Line the internal cavities, form various organs and

glands, and line their ducts
Stereocilia
• Long, nonmotile, branched microvilli that cover the cells in
• Epithelial cells are in contact with each other, either in a
the epididymis and vas deferens.
single layer or multiple layers.
.

• Structure of lining epithelium, however, differs from organ Villi

to organ, depending on its location and function.
• Fingerlike structures that project into the lumen of the
• Epithelium is avascular, it does not have blood vessels
small intestine

• Oxygen, nutrients, and metabolites diffuse from the blood

Types of Epithelia
vessels located in the underlying connective tissue to the

epithelium. (Diffusion)

Simple Squamous Epithelium

• High mitotic rate (regenerates easily)

Basement Membrane
• Thin, noncellular region that separates the epithelium from
the underlying connective tissue.
• Thin extracellular layer of specialized proteins, usually
having two parts: a basal lamina and a more fibrous
reticular lamina.

• The basal lamina is a thin meshwork of type IV collagen

and laminin produced by the epithelial cells.
• Single layer of flat or squamous cells, includes
• The reticular lamina contains type III collagen and mesothelium and endothelium

anchoring fibrils of VII collagen, all secreted by cells of the • Cells of the simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium)
immediately adjacent connective tissue.
appear flat, adhere tightly to each other, and form a sheet
with the thickness of a single cell layer

Classification of Epithelium • Mesothelium: Simple squamous epithelium that covers

the external surfaces of the digestive organs, lungs, and
Cell Layers Morphology heart

• Endothelium: Simple squamous epithelium that covers

Simple Squamous
Stratified Cuboidal the lumina of the heart chambers, blood vessels, and
Pseudostratified Columnar lymphatic vessels

• Location: Lines the heart, blood, and lymphatic vessels,

air sacs of lungs, Bowman’s capsule, serous membranes

• Function(s): filtration, diffusion, transport, secretion, and

reduction of friction

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Simple Cuboidal Epithelium Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

• Lines small excretory ducts in different organs.

• Lines the respiratory passages and lumina of the
• In the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney, the apical epididymis and vas deferens.
surfaces of the simple cuboidal epithelium are lined with a • In trachea, bronchi, and larger bronchioles, the surface
brush border consisting of microvilli. cells exhibit motile cilia;
• Protects ducts; transports and absorbs filtered material in • In the epididymis and vas deferens, the surface cells
kidney tubules
exhibit nonmotile stereocilia, which are branched or
• Location: surface of the ovary, kidney tubules, thyroid modified microvilli.

gland, pancreas
• All cells reach basement membrane, but not all reach the
• Function(s): secretion & absorption
surface

• Ciliated cells interspersed among mucus-secreting goblet

Simple Columnar Epithelium
cells

• In epididymis and vas deferens, the lining stereocilia

absorb testicular fluid

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

• All cells are tall, some lined by microvilli

• Lines the lumina of digestive organs

• Secretes protective mucus for stomach lining

• Absorption of nutrients in small intestine

• Covers the digestive organs (stomach, small and large

intestines, and gallbladder).
• Contains multiple cell layers

• In the small intestine, simple columnar absorptive cells that • The basal cells are cuboidal to columnar; these cells give
cover the villi also exhibit microvilli. rise to cells that migrate toward the surface and become
• In the female reproductive tract, the simple columnar squamous.

epithelium is lined with motile cilia.

• There are two types of stratified squamous epithelia:
• In an empty stomach, the stomach wall exhibits numerous nonkeratinized and keratinized.

temporary folds that disappear when the stomach is filled

.

Nonkeratinized Epithelium
with solid or fluid material. Also, the surface epithelium • Exhibits live surface cells and covers moist cavities such
extends down- ward to form numerous indentations or pits as the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, vagina, and anal canal.

in the surface of the stomach called gastric pits

Keratinized Epithelium
• Non-Ciliated
• Lines the external surfaces of the body.

• Location: GIT (stomach to anus), gall bladder

• The surface layers contain nonliving, keratinized cells that

• Function(s): secretion & absorption

are filled with the protein keratin.

• Ciliated
• The exposed epithelium that covers the palms and soles
• Location: upper respiratory tract, fallopian tubes

exhibits especially thick layers of keratinized cells.

• Function(s): moves mucous and other substances 


• Provides protection against abrasion, bacterial invasion,
.
and desiccation

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Stratified Cuboidal • When transitional epithelium is contracted, the surface

cells appear dome-shaped; when stretched, the
epithelium appears squamous.

• Changes shape in response to stretching caused by fluid

accumulation

• During extension or contraction, cell contact unbroken

• Forms protective barrier between urine and underlying

tissue

• Layered cube like cells

• Location: sweat glands, ovarian follicles, salivary glands

• Function(s): absorption, limited secretion, and protection

Stratified Columnar

• Has different heights

• Location: mammary glands, larynx, urethra

• Function(s): absorption, secretion, and protection

Stratified cuboidal epithelium and stratified columnar

epithelium have a limited distribution in the body. Both
types of epithelia line the larger excretory ducts of the
pancreas, salivary glands, and sweat glands. In these
ducts, the epithelium exhibits two or more layers of cells.

Transitional Epithelium

• Lines the minor and major calyxes, pelvis, ureter, and

bladder of the urinary system.

• This type of epithelium changes shape and can resemble

either stratified squamous or stratified cuboidal epithelia,
depending on whether it is stretched or contracted.

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HISTOLOGY

Connective Tissue

Mesenchyme
• An embryonic type of tissue that gives rise to all Plasma Cell
connective tissue
• Eccentrically located nucleus

• Condensed, coarse chromatin clumps distributed

Characteristics of a Connective Tissue
peripherally in a characteristic radial pattern and one
• Highly vascular except for cartilage

central mass (cartwheel appearance)

• Good nerve supply except for cartilage

• Derived from lymphocytes

• Has cells and extracellular matrix

• Extracellular matrix: tissue fluid, ground substance, and • Synthesize and secrete antibodies

fibers
Adipocytes
• a.k.a. fat cells

Functions of the Connective Tissue

• Narrow rim of cytoplasm and flattened, eccentrically
• Mainly for support; binds, anchors, and support various
located nucleus

cells, tissues, and organ of the body

• Medium of exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and metabolic • Specialized for cytoplasmic storage of lipid as neutral fats

waste (e.g. blood)

• Adipose connective tissue = large population of
adipocytes

• Protection and defence against bacterial invasion and

• Provide protection and insulation around numerous vital
foreign bodies (e.g. blood: WBC)

• Ω

organs

Cells of Connective Tissue

• Provide energy for metabolic functions

• Brown (multilocular droplet) and white (unilocular droplet)

adipose

Lymphocyte

• Most numerous cells in loose connective tissue of the

respiratory and gastrointestinal tract

• Dense staining nuclei; almost occupies the whole

cytoplasm

• Apoptosis: once they go out of the bloodstream and into

the connective tissue; they will go to the bacteria and kill
themselves

Macrophages

• a.k.a. histiocytes

• Derived from monocytes

• Irregular cell outlines

• Phagocytes

Fibroblasts • Attracted to the sites of inflammation (and engulfs invader)

• Dominant cells in the connective tissue

• Dusts cells - lungs

• Most important cells in the connective tissue

• Kupffer cells - liver

• Synthesize and secrete collagens, elastin, and reticular

• Langerhan cells - skin

fibers and extracellular ground substance, including

• Microglia - brain

proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and adhesive 
 •

glycol-proteins

• Irregularly branched cytoplasm

• Euchromatic nucleus and a prominent nucleolus

• Fibrocytes

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Mast Cells
•

• Ovoid, with small centrally placed nucleus

• Cytoplasm is normally filled with fine, closely packed,

Loose

.
Connective Tissues
dense staining granules
Areolar Connective Tissue

• Release histamine and heparin

• S e m i fl u i d g r o u n d
• Main function is during anaphylactic reaction
substance

• Increase in cases of allergies

• a.k.a. “lazy network”

• Consists of collage fibers

•

Leukocytes and elastic fibers

• a.k.a. white blood cells

• Fibroblasts produce the

• Defense against bacterial invasion or foreign matter

• matrix

Fibrous Components of the • Provides nourishment

Connective Tissue and serve as a point of

attachment

Collagen Fibers
• Function(s): Supports
• Tough, thick, fibrous proteins that do not branch

microvasculature nerves and immune defense cells

• Most abundant fibers and found in almost all the

• Location: Lamina propria beneath epithelial lining of
connective tissues of all organs

digestive tract, Skin, basement membrane

Types of Collagen Fibers

•

Reticular Connective Tissue

Type I • Abundant fibers of type III
• Very strong and offer great resistance to tensile stresses
collagen

• Most common
• This collagen is also
• Dermis of the skin, tendons, ligaments, fibrocartilage, known reticulin – reticular
capsule of organs and bones
cells

• .

• Network of reticular fibers

Type II
• Provide resistance to pressure
and reticular cells

• Hyaline, elastic cartilage and in the vitreous body of the • Framework of lymphatic
eye
tissue such as lymph
•

nodes and spleen

Type III • Filters worn out blood cells

• Thin, branching reticular fibers that form the delicate
or microbes

supporting meshwork

• Function(s): Supports blood-forming cells, many secretory

• Lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow

• . cells, and lymphocytes in most lymphoid organs

Type IV • Location: Bone marrow, Liver, Pancreas, Adrenal glands,

• Meshwork in basal lamina of the basement membrane

All lymphoid organs except thymus

• Basal regions of the cells attach with the

hemisdesmosomes
Adipose Connective Tissue
• Main site of lipid storage and
• .

Reticular Fibers metabolism in the body

• Consist of Type III collagen

• L a rg e c e l l s a n d s m a l l
• Thin and form delicate netlike support network

amount of extracellular
• Liver, lymph nodes, spleen, hematopoietic organs, and
matrix

other locations where blood and lymph are filtered

• White and brown adipose

• Silver stain

• . connective tissue

Elastic Fibers • Nucleus is eccentrically

• Thin, small, branching fibers that are capable of stretching located

and returning to their original length

• Function(s): Main site of
• Less tensile strength than collagen fibers
lipid storage

• Composed of microfibrils and the protein elastin

• Location: Subcutaneous layer of the skin (hypodermis),
• Lungs, bladder wall, and skin
mammary glands, around heart and kidneys, yellow bone
• Aorta and pulmonary trunk
marrow

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Types of Adipose Tissue Dense Elastic Connective Tissue

White
• More common type w/ wider distribution

• One single droplet

• Store lipids, fats

• Highly vascularized

Brown
• More limited distribution

• Small multiple droplets

• Composed of collagen and abundant elastic fibers

• Use the fats to generate/expend energy by converting fats • Function(s): Capable of stretching and recoiling (allows
to heat
stretching of various organs)

• Abundant in newborns and hibernating animals

• Location: Vocal cords, Blood vessel wall

• Main function is to supply the body with heat 


Dense Connective Tissue

Cartilage
Dense Regular Connective Tissue • special form of connective tissue that also develops from
mesenchymal cells.

• In contrast to other connective tissue, however, cartilage

does not have a direct blood supply, or is nonvascular
(avascular).

• Cartilage receives its nutrition and eliminates its metabolic

waste via diffusion through the extra- cellular matrix.

• Cartilage exhibits tensile strength, provides firm structural

support for soft tissues, allows flexibility without distortion,
• Consist mainly of TYPE 1 collagen bundles
and is resilient to compression.

• Parallel orientation of fibers that provide great resistance to • Cartilage consists mainly of cells called chondrocytes and
prolonged or repeated stresses
chondroblasts that synthesize the extensive extracellular
• Spindled-shaped fibers
matrix

• Abundant in collagen fibers, few fibroblast

Hyaline Cartilage
• Withstand great pulling force due to great tensile strenth
and stretch resistance

• Function(s): Provide strong connections within

musculoskeletal system

• Location: Ligaments, Tendons, Aponeuroses

• .

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

• Most abundant type of cartilage

• Composed of collagen fibers

• Glassy transluscent matrix

• Lesser fibers = weakest among the three

• Meshwork of randomly oriented fibers

• Embryos–skeletal (embryonic skeleton: serves as the
• C o l l a g e n fi b e r s a p p e a r r a n d o m l y i n t e r w o v e n skeleton of the embryo)

(multidirectional)
• Homogenous and semitransparent in the fresh state

• Function(s): Provide resistance to stress from all • Function(s): Provide smooth, low friction surfaces in
directions
joints, Structural support for respiratory tract

• Location: Deep dermis layer of skin, Capsule surrounding • Location: Respiratory tract (Trachea, Bronchi)

• .

most organs (pericardium)

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Elastic Cartilage Osteoblasts

• Also rise from osteoprogenitor cells

• Immature cells

Osteoclasts
• Rise from monocytes

• Found in the Howship’s lacunae

• Type of macrophage: for bone renewal and bone

remodelling

Types of Bone:
Compact bone
• Abundant networks of elastic fibers

• Function(s): Provides flexiblility, maintains shape, and

support of soft tissues

• Location: External ear, Auditory tube, Epiglottis

Fibrocartilage

• a.k.a. “Cortical Bone”

• Outer cylindrical part in long bones

• More solid with almost no space between and has many

thin layers of mineralized matrix

Cancellous Bone

• Large amounts of irregular and dense bundles of coarse

collagen fibers

• Collagen fibers are oriented in the direction of functional

stress

• More collagen than proteoglycans

• Slightly compressible

• Strongest among the three

• Function: Provides cushioning, Tensile strength,

• a.k.a. “Spongy Bone”

Resistance to tearing and compression

• Inner surface of the compact bone

• Location: Intervertebral disc, Pubic symphysis

• • Numerous interconnecting areas

Bone Tissue • Has spaces between trabeculae and resembles a sponge

• Diverse/Special form of connective tissue

• Bone matrix is composed of cells, connective tissue fibers Both type of bones have similar microscopic appearance,
and calcified Extracellular matrix
so you can’t differentiate both types
• Function(s): Serve as a rigid skeleton for the body
(Support), Provides attachment for muscles and organs
(Protection), Reservoir for calcium in the body (Storage)

• .

Types of Bone Cells

Osteocytes
• Rise from osteoprogenitor cells

• Mature cells that maintain the matrix

• Contained in the lacunae

• .

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Haversian System: Osteon Structural Units Liver, spleen, bone marrow

• Site of hematopoiesis in adult

Hematopoiesis

• Process by which blood is produced

Types of Cells
…

Erythrocytes

Haversian canal
• a.k.a. central canal

• Contains the blood supply

Osteocytes
• Contained in the lacunae
• Most numerous blood cells

• Bone cells
• Non nucleated cells as it matures

Lamellae • Stain pink w/ eosin

• Collagen fibers of the Haversian system

• Uniform in size: approx. 7.5 μm in diameter

• Transports oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the

Canaliculi lungs

• “Tiny Canals”
•

• Where osteocytes can communicate with each other

Leukocytes
• Perform major functions outside the blood vessels

Blood Tissue • Defend the body against bacterial invasion or the presence
of foreign material

Granulocytes

Neutrophils
• Contain granules
and lobulated nuclei

• Most abundant
(60-70%)

• C y t o p l a s m : fi n e
violet or pink
• Only connective tissue that is suspended in a circulating granules

fluid
• Nucleus: several
• Formed Elements: Erythrocytes (red blood cells), lobes (3-5)

Leukocytes (white blood cells), Thrombocytes (platelets)

• Phagocytes – chemotactic factors
• Liquid medium: plasma

Eosinophils
• Function(s): Transport gases, nutrients, waste products, • Cytoplasm: large
hormones, antibodies, various chemicals and other eosinophilic
substances in plasma to and from the different cells, (bright pink)
tissues and organs
granules

• Location: within the blood vessels

• N u c l e u s :



Plasma bilobed, a small

• A liquid where the 3 types of cells (formed elements) are third lobe may be
suspended
present

• 2-4% of blood
•

Yolk sac leukocytes

• Site of hematopoiesis in embryo

• • Phagocytic cells

• Parasitic infection or allergy

•

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Basophils
• Cytoplasm:
granules are
variable in
size, less
d e n s e l y
packed,
stain dark
blue or
brown

• Nucleus: not
lobulated and stains palely basophilic

• 1% of blood leukocytes

• Granules contain histamine and heparin

• .

Granulocytes

Lymphocytes
• Vary in size –
cells smaller
than RBC and
cells almost
twice as large

• 20-30% of
b l o o d
leukocytes

• Cytoplasm:
agranular

• Nucleus: densely stained, occupies most of cytoplasm

• Differentiate into plasma cells that will soon lead to

antibodies

Monocytes
• Largest agranular
leukocytes

• Nucleus: round,
oval, horseshoe,
or kidney-bean
shaped

• 3-8% of blood
leukocytes

• Phagocytes

Thrombocytes
• Not blood cells

• Membrane bound cytoplasmic fragments or remnants of

megakaryocytes

• Monitor the vascular system

• Detect any damage to the endothelial lining of blood

vessels

• ]

Megakaryocytes: largest cell in the bone marrow; monitor

the integrity of the endothelial lining

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