Lymphocytes – Large and Small
There are two types of lymphocytes small (10-12µm) and large (12-16µm).
Most of the lymphocytes in the peripheral blood are small. The nucleus of he lymphocytes is small, round, usually indented. The chromatin of the lymphocyte nucleus
- Deep purple, small, round, usually indented
- Has no nucleoli
- Has a densely clumped deep chromatin
The cytoplasm of the lymphocyte is
- Moderately basophilic (blue)
- Scanty forming a thin rim around the nucleus
- Devoid of granules
Large lymphocytes have a more abundant cytoplasm with a few azurophilic granules. Some of these are T supressor lymphocytes (Cd3+ Cd8+) while others are NK cells (Cd3 – CD8+). The picture above shows a large granular lymphocyte
