Lymphoblast is a term used in hematology and immunology to describe a precursor cell of lymphocytes. It is spelled as /ˈlɪmfəʊblɑːst/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "lym" represents the origins of the cell in the lymphatic system, while "pho" is pronounced with a long "o" as it is derived from the Greek word for "light". The second syllable "blast" denotes an immature or embryonic cell. Overall, the spelling of lymphoblast reflects both its cellular morphology and etymology.
A lymphoblast is a term primarily used in the field of hematology and pathology to describe a specific type of cell found in the human body. It refers to an immature form of a lymphocyte, which is a type of white blood cell responsible for the body's immune response.
Lymphoblasts are larger in size compared to mature lymphocytes and have a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, meaning that their nucleus is relatively large in comparison to the surrounding cytoplasm. They are characterized by their round shape and typically lack any significant granules or vesicles in their cytoplasm.
The presence of lymphoblasts in large numbers in the blood or bone marrow can indicate abnormal cell development, potentially suggesting the presence of certain conditions or disorders. In particular, an increased number of lymphoblasts is often associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is a type of cancer characterized by abnormal growth of these immature cells.
Differentiating lymphoblasts from mature lymphocytes is crucial in the diagnosis and classification of various hematologic diseases. Techniques such as flow cytometry and microscopic examination can help identify and distinguish lymphoblasts. These diagnostic tools provide valuable information to healthcare professionals, enabling them to determine appropriate treatment strategies and monitor the progress of patients with suspected or confirmed hematologic disorders involving lymphoblasts.
Myeloblast.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "lymphoblast" is derived from two root words: "lympho" and "blast".
The root word "lympho" is derived from the Greek word "lymphon", which means "water" or "liquid". In English, this root word is often used to refer to the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and organs that help support the immune system, produce and transport lymphocytes, and remove waste materials from the body.
The second root word "blast" is derived from the Greek word "blastos", which means "germ" or "sprout". In biological terminology, a "blast" often refers to an immature or undifferentiated cell that has the potential to develop into different types of specialized cells.