The term "Normoblast" is a medical term that describes a type of immature red blood cell. The word consists of two parts: "Normo-" meaning normal or regular and "-blast" meaning an immature cell that can divide and differentiate into a more mature form. The correct spelling of the word is /ˈnɔr.mo.blæst/, which is pronounced as NOR-moh-blast. The IPA transcription helps to clarify the correct phonetic pronunciation of the word and ensures its correct usage in medical contexts.
A normoblast is a term used in hematology to refer to a stage in the development of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the bone marrow. It is an immature form of a red blood cell that still possesses a nucleus. Normoblasts are a type of erythroblast, which are the precursor cells of mature red blood cells.
During normal erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells), normoblasts are formed from normoblast progenitor cells. These progenitor cells undergo a series of divisions and differentiation, eventually progressing into normoblasts. Normoblasts undergo further maturation through several stages before they transform into reticulocytes, which are the final precursors of mature red blood cells.
The distinguishing characteristic of normoblasts is the presence of a visible nucleus within the cell. As normoblasts continue to mature, the nucleus eventually shrinks and is expelled from the cell, resulting in the formation of an anucleated, mature red blood cell. This process ensures that red blood cells have a large surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitating efficient oxygen transport throughout the body.
The detection and examination of normoblasts in the peripheral blood can provide valuable information for diagnosing various blood disorders and conditions, such as anemia, leukemia, and other hematologic abnormalities. Differentiating and quantifying the various types of normoblasts present in a blood sample can assist in elucidating potential underlying causes or disease progression.
A nucleated red blood corpuscle of medium size.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "normoblast" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots - "normo" meaning "normal" and "blastos" meaning "growing cell" or "bud". In medical terminology, "blast" often refers to an immature or developing cell. Therefore, a normoblast specifically refers to a developing or maturing red blood cell that exhibits characteristics within the normal range.