Which white blood cell has a nucleus with 2-5 lobes?

Which white blood cell has a nucleus with 2-5 lobes?

• A. Neutrophils
• B. Platelets
• C. Red blood cells
• D. Monocytes

Answer: (A)

On a blood smear, the shape of the nucleus helps identify white blood cells. Neutrophils are known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes because their nucleus is segmented into several lobes, typically 2 to 5, connected by thin strands. This multi-lobed, flexible nucleus suits their role in rapidly moving to sites of infection and phagocytosing bacteria. In contrast, platelets are tiny, anucleate fragments; red blood cells in humans also lack a nucleus; and monocytes have a single, large, kidney-shaped nucleus rather than multiple lobes. So the cell with a nucleus organized into 2–5 lobes is the neutrophil.

On a blood smear, the shape of the nucleus helps identify white blood cells. Neutrophils are known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes because their nucleus is segmented into several lobes, typically 2 to 5, connected by thin strands. This multi-lobed, flexible nucleus suits their role in rapidly moving to sites of infection and phagocytosing bacteria. In contrast, platelets are tiny, anucleate fragments; red blood cells in humans also lack a nucleus; and monocytes have a single, large, kidney-shaped nucleus rather than multiple lobes. So the cell with a nucleus organized into 2–5 lobes is the neutrophil.