The term "nucleated erythrocyte" refers to a red blood cell that contains a nucleus. The spelling of this term is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) which uses the symbols /njuːkliːətɪd ɪˈrɪθrəsaɪt/. The first syllable "nu-" is pronounced as "n(y)oo" while "-cleated" is pronounced as "kli:tɪd". "Erythrocyte" is pronounced as "ɪˈrɪθrəsaɪt". This term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe abnormal red blood cells seen in certain diseases.
A nucleated erythrocyte is a type of red blood cell that contains a nucleus. Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are generally known for their role in carrying oxygen throughout the body. However, the majority of mature erythrocytes lack a nucleus as they mature in the bone marrow before entering the bloodstream. Nucleated erythrocytes, on the other hand, refer to red blood cells that still possess a cell nucleus.
In normal physiological conditions, the presence of nucleated erythrocytes is uncommon in the peripheral blood. The presence of these cells can indicate various underlying pathological conditions or disorders such as specific types of anemia, drug-induced hematological toxicity, or certain bone marrow disorders.
The presence of a nucleus in nucleated erythrocytes is significant as it suggests that these cells are not fully mature or may be undergoing abnormal development. The nucleus in these cells allows them to retain some characteristics of a developing cell, such as the ability to divide and undergo further differentiation. This is in contrast to mature, anucleate erythrocytes which have a limited lifespan and do not have the ability to replicate or repair themselves.
Recognizing the presence of nucleated erythrocytes in a blood sample is crucial for clinical laboratory professionals, as it can aid in the diagnosis and management of various blood disorders. Additional laboratory tests and evaluations may be necessary to further investigate the underlying cause or associated abnormalities when nucleated erythrocytes are identified.
The word "nucleated erythrocyte" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "erythrocyte" comes from the Greek words "erythros", meaning red, and "kytos", meaning cell. Thus, "erythrocyte" translates to "red cell" in English.
The word "nucleated" refers to the presence of a nucleus within a cell. In this context, it signifies that the erythrocyte, which is typically known as a red blood cell, contains a nucleus.
Overall, "nucleated erythrocyte" describes a red blood cell that retains its nucleus, which is usually an abnormal condition as mature red blood cells in humans lose their nuclei during development.