Myeloblast vs. Lymphoblast - Key Differences Explained

Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023
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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.

An Overview of Myeloblasts
  • Myeloblasts are immature forms of white blood cells (WBCs), and their formation occurs within the bone marrow.
  • As these cells mature, they transform into mature white blood cells, specifically referred to as granulocytes.
  • They serve as the precursor cells for eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils, which are all types of granulocytes.
  • 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.
  • Depending on the nature of their granules, myeloblasts can be classified into granular, pauci granular, and agranular types.

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Insights into Lymphoblasts
  • Lymphoblasts are immature cells that, upon maturation, develop into lymphocytes, which are critical components of the body's immune system.
  • These cells are also relatively large, with some cytoplasm and a slightly irregular or round nucleus that possesses compacted chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli.
  • Lymphoblasts are progenitor cells for B and T lymphocytes.
  • 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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Difference Between Rods and Cones
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Difference between Cleavage and Mitosis

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Lymphoblast is an immature cell that matures further into the lymphocyte, precursors of lymphocytes. These are progenitor cells of the B and T lymphocytes.

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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