10.5: Macrophages

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: An image from a bone marrow smear showing a macrophage with a valuolated and granular cytoplasm. 100x oil immersion. From MLS Collection, University of Alberta, https://doi.org/10.7939/R3DV1D40B

: An image from a Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) cytospin slide showing erythrophagocytosis in a macrophage. Ingested red blood cells, vacuolation, and hemosiderin granules can be seen within the cell. 60x oil immersion. From MLS Collection, University of Alberta, https://doi.org/10.7939/R36H4D570

Notes: Macrophages represent the mature form of monocytes when they leave the circulation and enter the tissues.¹

Nucleus-to-Cytoplasm Ratio: N/A ²

Nucleoli: 1-2 ²

Nucleus:²

Variable shapes (kidney, rounded, indented, oval)

Eccentrically located

Dark purple, coarse, clumped chromatin

Cytoplasm:^1,2

Abundant

Irregular shaped

Many azurophilic granules

May contain ingested material and/or storage granules (hemosiderin, red blood cells, lipids, microorganisms, debris)

May contain vacuoles

References:

1. Landis-Piwowar K. Granulocytes and Monocytes. In: Clinical laboratory hematology. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Pearson; 2015. p. 97-121.

2. Rodak BF, Carr JH. Monocyte maturation. In: Clinical hematology atlas. 5th ed. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Inc.; 2017. p. 55-64.