Anulocytes are defined as red blood cells with which feature?

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Anulocytes are extremely hypochromic red cells that appear ring-like on a smear. Their defining feature is a thin rim of hemoglobin surrounding a large central clear center, producing the characteristic annular (ring) appearance. This prominent central pallor reflects severe reduction in hemoglobin content concentrated around the cell edge, unlike cells with uniform Hb distribution or those with no central pallor. The description of a thick hemoglobin rim with a small center would not show the pronounced central clearing seen in anulocytes. Thus, the thin hemoglobin rim with a large central clear center best matches the annular morphology.