Through the Microscope: Blood Cells - Life's Blood

Monocyte

Monocytes are large mononuclear phagocytes of the peripheral blood. They are the immature stage of the macrophage. Monocytes vary considerably, ranging in size from10 to 30 µm in diameter. The nucleus to cytoplasm ratio ranges from 2:1 to 1:1. The nucleus is often band shaped (horseshoe), or reniform (kindey-shaped). It may fold over on top of itself, thus showing brainlike convolutions. No nucleoli are visible. The chromatin pattern is fine, and arranged in skeinlike strands. The cytoplasm is abundant and blue gray with many fine azurophilic granules, giving a ground glass appearance. Vacuoles may be present