Hematopoiesis is a complex process that involves the differentiation of multipotent stem cells, known as hemocytoblasts, into various types of precursor cells. Two of these types of cells are the myeloblast and the lymphoblast. These cells play a crucial role in our immune system and have distinct characteristics and functions.
Myeloblast vs. Lymphoblast - Key Differences Explained
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An Overview of Myeloblasts
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Myeloblasts are immature forms of white blood cells (WBCs), and their formation occurs within the bone marrow.
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As these cells mature, they transform into mature white blood cells, specifically referred to as granulocytes.
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They serve as the precursor cells for eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils, which are all types of granulocytes.
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Myeloblasts are relatively large cells, possessing some amount of cytoplasm and a slightly irregular or round nucleus with thin chromatin and 3-5 evident nucleoli.
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Depending on the nature of their granules, myeloblasts can be classified into granular, pauci granular, and agranular types.
Insights into Lymphoblasts
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Lymphoblasts are immature cells that, upon maturation, develop into lymphocytes, which are critical components of the body's immune system.
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These cells are also relatively large, with some cytoplasm and a slightly irregular or round nucleus that possesses compacted chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli.
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Lymphoblasts are progenitor cells for B and T lymphocytes.
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The process of lymphoblast transformation into lymphocytes is known as lymphopoiesis. Overproduction of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow can lead to a medical condition known as Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL).
Distinguishing Between Myeloblasts and Lymphoblasts
The following table provides an easy-to-understand comparison between Myeloblasts and Lymphoblasts.
Myeloblast | Lymphoblast |
What are they? | |
Immature white blood cells that originate in the bone marrow | Immature cells that mature into lymphocytes |
Size | |
Approximately 15-20μm | 10-18μm |
Shape of Nucleus | |
Curved, could be S, V or C shaped | Round |
Size of Nucleus | |
Smaller in comparison to lymphoblasts | Larger with thick chromatin pigments |
Nuclear Chromatin | |
Fine meshwork | Somewhat clumped |
Number of Nucleoli | |
Two to five | One to two |
Cytoplasm | |
Blue in appearance, scanty, agranular. Auer rods are present | Even more scanty than that of myeloblasts, agranular and blue in appearance |
What do they mature into? | |
Basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils | B and T lymphocytes |
We hope this article helped you understand the differences between Myeloblast and Lymphoblast. For more such informative articles, keep visiting our website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Myeloblast?
Myeloblasts are immature types of white blood cells that are formed in the bone marrow. When these immature cells mature, they become matured white blood cells, referred to as granulocytes.
What is a Lymphoblast?
Lymphoblast is an immature cell that matures further into the lymphocyte, precursors of lymphocytes. These are progenitor cells of the B and T lymphocytes.
What are the key differences between Myeloblast and Lymphoblast?
The key differences between Myeloblast and Lymphoblast include their formation, size, shape and size of nucleus, nuclear chromatin, number of nucleoli, cytoplasm and what they are differentiated into.
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