Question

Under a microscope, a technician sees a collection of white blood cells with variable nuclear shapes, diffuse chromatin, and blue-gray cytoplasm, some with vacuoles. Which type of cells is this technician seeing?

A) Neutrophils
B) Lymphocytes
C) Monocytes
D) Macrophages

Answer 1

The technician is observing monocytes, which can be identified by their large size, indented nuclei, blue-gray cytoplasm, and the presence of vacuoles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the description given - white blood cells with variable nuclear shapes, diffuse chromatin, and blue-gray cytoplasm, some with vacuoles - the cells observed by the technician are most likely monocytes. Monocytes are typically recognized by their large size, irregularly shaped, often indented nuclei and have blue-gray cytoplasm. These characteristics are distinctive when compared with other types of leukocytes such as neutrophils, which have more lobed nuclei and granular cytoplasm, or lymphocytes, which usually have a simple, rounded nucleus and not as much cytoplasm. Monocytes are known for developing into macrophages when they leave the bloodstream and enter tissue.