Under light microscopy, natural killer (NK) cells exhibit a distinct morphology characteristic of a large granular lymphocyte.
NK cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte crucial to the innate immune system. Their physical appearance, particularly when viewed under a microscope, provides key identifying features.
General Morphology
When stained and observed under a light microscope, NK cells typically appear larger than standard small lymphocytes. Their cytoplasm contains prominent granules, which is why they are classified as "granular lymphocytes."
- Size: Larger than small lymphocytes.
- Cytoplasm: Contains visible granules.
- Overall Look: Resembles a large granular lymphocyte.
Nuclear Characteristics
The nucleus of an NK cell also has specific traits that aid in identification.
- Nucleus Size: Relatively large.
- Chromatin: Contains coarse chromatin.
- Nucleoli: Possesses prominent nucleoli.
Based on the provided information, the morphology can be summarized:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Classification | Large Granular Lymphocyte |
| Nucleus Size | Big |
| Nucleus Chromatin | Coarse |
| Nucleolus Appearance | Prominent |
| Cytoplasm | Contains granules (giving the "granular lymphocyte" designation) |
In summary, the morphology of NK cells under light microscopy is that of a large granular lymphocyte, with big nuclei that contain coarse chromatin and prominent nucleoli. This appearance helps differentiate them from other types of lymphocytes.
