Question

One consequence of autosplenectomy in sickle cell disease is the presence of Howell-Jolly bodies and target cells on a blood smear. What are Howell-Jolly bodies and target cells?

1) Abnormal red blood cells
2) Abnormal white blood cells
3) Abnormal platelets
4) Abnormal lymphocytes

Answer 1

Howell-Jolly bodies are nuclear remnants in red blood cells, and target cells have a bullseye appearance; both are abnormal red blood cells associated with conditions like sickle cell disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

Howell-Jolly bodies and target cells on a blood smear are indicative of abnormal red blood cells. Howell-Jolly bodies are nuclear remnants found in red blood cells, often seen post-splenectomy or in cases of functional asplenia, as the spleen typically filters these defective cells. Target cells, or codocytes, are red blood cells with an appearance resembling a target or bullseye, caused by abnormal hemoglobin or cell membrane defects, which can occur in conditions like sickle cell disease, liver disease, and thalassemia.