Page 365 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

VetBooks.ir Lymphocyte Structure

Lymphocytes are small, round cells, 7 to 15 µm in diameter. Each
contains a single large round nucleus that stains intensely and

evenly with hematoxylin (Fig. 13.1). This nucleus is surrounded by
a thin rim of cytoplasm containing some mitochondria, free
ribosomes, and a small Golgi apparatus (Fig. 13.2). Scanning
electron microscopy shows that some lymphocytes are smooth
surfaced, whereas others are covered by many small projections

(Fig. 13.3). Innate lymphoid cells are often larger than T or B cells
and may contain obvious cytoplasmic granules. With this
exception, lymphocyte structure provides no clue as to their

function or complexity (Fig. 13.4).

FIG. 13.1 Photomicrographs showing lymphocytes in stained
blood smears from horse, cat, and dog. Giemsa stain. (Courtesy Dr.
M.C. Johnson.)

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