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Question 334
Physiology → Haematology
Classification
Question
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Peripheral blood contains erythroid cells showing an intracellular network pattern after appropriate staining. Which interpretation best identifies these cells?
Question Stem
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Options
A
They are normally circulating nucleated erythrocytes
B
They are mature erythrocytes containing mitochondria
C
They are the most immature circulating red blood cells
D
They are erythrocytes that have acquired a Golgi apparatus
E
They are mature erythrocytes undergoing nuclear division
Explanation
Reticulocytes are the most immature circulating red blood cells and may demonstrate an intracellular network pattern when appropriately stained. Nucleated red cells may occur during haematopoiesis in bone marrow but are not normally present in peripheral blood.
Option Validity
A) Nucleated red cells are not normally seen in peripheral blood. Reticulocytes are immature circulating erythrocytes but are not described as normally circulating nucleated cells.
B) Mature human erythrocytes lack mitochondria; their energy production therefore depends on glycolysis.
D) Human erythrocytes lack a Golgi apparatus as well as a nucleus and mitochondria.
E) Mature circulating erythrocytes are non-nucleated and therefore do not undergo nuclear division.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 3: Physiology – Haematology. p.67.