Which feature describes the structure of a neutrophil?

Which feature describes the structure of a neutrophil?

• A. Multilobed nuclei
• B. Bi-lobed nuclei
• C. Nucleus not obviously multi-lobed
• D. Single round nucleus

Answer: (A)

Neutrophils have nuclei that are segmented into multiple lobes, giving a multilobed (polymorphonuclear) appearance. This structure isn’t just distinctive; it also helps the cell be highly flexible, so it can squeeze through tight spaces in tissues and rapidly reach sites of infection. That multilobed nucleus is the hallmark feature of mature neutrophils, making it the best description of their structure. In contrast, a single round nucleus is typical of lymphocytes, a bilobed nucleus is common in eosinophils, and monocytes have a kidney- or horseshoe-shaped nucleus.

Neutrophils have nuclei that are segmented into multiple lobes, giving a multilobed (polymorphonuclear) appearance. This structure isn’t just distinctive; it also helps the cell be highly flexible, so it can squeeze through tight spaces in tissues and rapidly reach sites of infection. That multilobed nucleus is the hallmark feature of mature neutrophils, making it the best description of their structure.

In contrast, a single round nucleus is typical of lymphocytes, a bilobed nucleus is common in eosinophils, and monocytes have a kidney- or horseshoe-shaped nucleus.