When examining blood, the leukocyte formula is calculated. It represents the content of various classes of elements as a percentage. Among all leukocytes, a large proportion falls on segmented neutrophils. They make up the bulk of the blood elements. Leukocytes are divided into two main classes: agranulocytes and granulocytes. The latter are granular. The class of granulocytes, in turn, includes basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils. Each type of cell has its own granularity and its own functions.
Stages of development of blood elements
Cells of the granulocytic class all go through certain stages of maturation. At the very first stage, myeloblasts are formed. Next, the cells go through several intermediate stages. In the process of further development, each element is formed into a stab neutrophil, and then a segmented neutrophil. Young cells are found in the blood only when severe pathologies occur.
What are the differences between segmented and stab neutrophils?
The main difference is the shape of the cell nucleus. In the former, it is divided by special constrictions into 2 or 4 segments. The stab neutrophil has a smooth, rod-shaped nucleus. The cytoplasm of the cells has a pink color. Present in the elements and brown fine grain. On the basis of infectious lesions, it becomes blue and becomes larger. This manifestation indicates the presence of an inflammatory process.
Element functions
Stab neutrophil provides protection against the penetration of foreign particles, bacteria, fungi, viruses. Cells also have phagocytic activity. Myeloperoxidase, a specific enzyme, is present in the granules of the stab neutrophil. It increases the activity of antibacterial agents. Neutrophils are able to move to inflammatory foci.
Leukocyte formula. Component ratio
The concentration in which cells are present in the blood corresponds to the age norm. For example, a child under five years old has about 30% neutrophils. Children have the most leukocytes in the blood. The content of neutrophils in an adult ranges from 1-6%. An increase in concentration may indicate the development of various pathologies. An increase in stab neutrophils is called neutrophilia. As a rule, this condition accompanies a general increase in the concentration of leukocytes. These changes in the formula are typical for heart attack and shock conditions, various kinds of poisoning.
In particular, violations are expressed in chronic myelocytic leukemia. Due to the fact thatthe stab neutrophil begins to predominate, and the segmented neutrophil, on the contrary, increases the risk of secondary infections. With a decrease in the concentration of blood cells, the development of viral and chronic lesions is observed. This often happens after receiving cytostatics, radiation therapy or because of blood diseases. When stab neutrophils are absent in the required concentration, this condition is called neutropenia.
