Macrophages have a bright, round nucleus which often shows nucleoli as well as ample pale blue cytoplasm. Numerous dark blue granules that correspond to phagocytized cell debris is typical.Definition:
The macrophage is part of the bone marrow stroma. They constitute about
of nucleated bone marrow cells (myelogram). They arise from monocytes. They phagocytose and remove cellular debris in the bone marrow. For this reason, they contain iron, lipids and nuclear debris. Histiocyte is another commonly used synonym for macrophage.
Appearance:
Macrophages have a bright, round nucleus which often shows nucleoli as well as ample pale blue cytoplasm. Numerous dark blue granules that correspond to phagocytized cell debris is typical.