6 Questions
RBC are formally called ______ cells.
erythrocytes
Nucleated precursors in the bone marrow are called ______.
erythroblasts
The “mother cell” is also known as a ______.
Pronormoblast
The last stage capable of mitosis is called ______.
Rubicyte
Erythrocytes are characterized by a ______ disc shape.
biconcave
Polychromatic erythrocytes are also called ______ when stained with a vital stain.
reticulocytes
Study Notes
Erythrocyte Development
- RBCs are formally called erythrocytes
- Nucleated precursors in the bone marrow are called erythroblasts
Pronormoblast/Rubriblast/Proerythroblast
- Largest of the erythroid precursors
- Nucleus:
- N:C ratio: 4:1
- Chromatin: fine and dark staining
- Nucleoli: 1-2
- Cytoplasm:
- Heterogeneous
- Dark blue (distinctly basophilic)
- No granules
Prorubicyte/Basophilic Normoblast (Erythroblast)
- Nucleus:
- N:C ratio: 4:1
- Chromatin: partially clumped, wheel with broad spokes
- Nucleoli: ABSENT
- Cytoplasm:
- Deeply basophilic
- No granules
Rubicyte/Polychromatic Normoblast (Erythroblast)
- "Dawn of hemoglobinization"
- Last stage capable of mitosis
- Nucleus:
- N:C ratio: 1:1
- Chromatin: increasingly clumped
- Nucleoli: ABSENT
- Cytoplasm:
- Mixtures of red-staining hemoglobin with blue RNA in varying shades of gray
- Pink coloration mixed with basophilia → Muddy, light gray appearance
Metarubicyte/Orthochromic Normoblast (Erythroblast)
- Nucleated RBC
- Mitosis no longer possible
- Nucleus:
- N:C ratio: LOW
- Chromatin: pyknotic (dense or compact)
- Nucleoli: ABSENT
- Cytoplasm:
- Acidophilic (reddish pink) cytoplasm
- Salmon-pink color
Polychromatic Erythrocyte
- Called reticulocytes when stained with a vital stain
- No nucleus
- Polychromatophilic due to retention of RNA
- Synthesizing hemoglobin for 2-3 days in the marrow and for 1 day in the blood
- Seen in Wright's stain as large bluish-red cells, Polychromatophilic macrocytes
Erythrocyte
- No nucleus
- Biconcave disc
- Salmon pink-staining cell with a central pale area
- Area of central pallor of 1-3 um (1/3 of the cell)
- Circulate for about 120 days
Learn about the different terms and stages of red blood cell development, from erythroblasts to normoblasts and more. Understand the characteristics of each stage and how they relate to hemoglobin development. Test your knowledge of red blood cell terminologies!
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
