What type of cells are identified by having round or oval nuclei?

Prepare for the HOSA Biomedical Laboratory Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

Lymphocytes are characterized by their round or oval nuclei, which typically occupy a significant portion of the cell's volume. These cells are a critical component of the immune system, involved in the adaptive immune response. They can be further categorized into B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, each with specific roles in defending the body against pathogens.

In contrast, granulocytes exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart from lymphocytes. Granulocytes, such as neutrophils and eosinophils, contain granules in their cytoplasm, which play key roles in the inflammatory response and combating infections. Their nuclei often appear multi-lobed or segmented rather than round or oval.

Neutrophils, a specific type of granulocyte, are identified by their lobed nuclei and cytoplasmic granules that stain with different dyes. Eosinophils also have bilobed nuclei and granules that may stain red or pink. Therefore, the shape and appearance of the nuclei are essential for distinguishing between these cell types.

Lymphocytes, due to their round or oval nuclei, are easily identified among other leukocytes and are critical for recognizing and responding to specific antigens. This distinguishing feature is why the correct answer identifies lymphocytes as the cells

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