Monocyte
Bone marrow aspirate smear, Wright-Giemsa stain, 1000x
Description:
Mature monocytes vary considerably in size and shape, and most are slightly larger than segmented neutrophils. The cytoplasm is grey to light blue in color and the granules are fine, varying in color, giving a salt and pepper appearance. The nucleus also varies considerably in shape, is frequently eccentrically located, is convoluted, and the chromatin is sparse.
Function:
The function of monocytes is similar to that of granulocytes and histiocytes. They phagocytize particulate material, senescent cells, and microorganisms. They also can present antigen.
Trafficking:
Like circulating neutrophils, monocytes are distributed between a circulating and marginal pool. About 70% are in the marginated pool. Their half-life in the circulation is about 3 days. Most exit the circulation into tissues and organs where further differentation into histiocytes (macrophages) occurs.
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Charles
E.
Hess,
M.D.,FACP [more information]
Professor of Internal Medicine
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