Which cell is described as a central rounded area of hemoglobin surrounded by a clear zone, with a dense ring of hemoglobin around the periphery?

Which cell is described as a central rounded area of hemoglobin surrounded by a clear zone, with a dense ring of hemoglobin around the periphery?

• A. Plasma cell
• B. Target cell
• C. Spherocyte
• D. Reticulocyte

Answer: (B)

This question is about recognizing the target cell pattern on a blood smear. The described appearance—central rounded area of hemoglobin, a surrounding clear zone, and a dense ring of hemoglobin at the edge—is the hallmark of a target cell (codocyte). It happens when the red cell has more membrane surface area relative to its hemoglobin content, causing the hemoglobin to pull to the rim while a pale center remains. This produces the characteristic bullseye look seen in conditions that alter the cell membrane or Hb content, such as certain hemoglobinopathies and liver disease. A plasma cell is a mature immune cell and doesn’t relate to red cell morphology. A spherocyte is a small, round red cell lacking central pallor, not showing the central clear zone and peripheral ring pattern. A reticulocyte is an immature red cell with residual RNA that often appears bluish and polychromatic and does not exhibit the target “bullseye” appearance.

This question is about recognizing the target cell pattern on a blood smear. The described appearance—central rounded area of hemoglobin, a surrounding clear zone, and a dense ring of hemoglobin at the edge—is the hallmark of a target cell (codocyte). It happens when the red cell has more membrane surface area relative to its hemoglobin content, causing the hemoglobin to pull to the rim while a pale center remains. This produces the characteristic bullseye look seen in conditions that alter the cell membrane or Hb content, such as certain hemoglobinopathies and liver disease.

A plasma cell is a mature immune cell and doesn’t relate to red cell morphology. A spherocyte is a small, round red cell lacking central pallor, not showing the central clear zone and peripheral ring pattern. A reticulocyte is an immature red cell with residual RNA that often appears bluish and polychromatic and does not exhibit the target “bullseye” appearance.