Which term describes red blood cells that vary in shape?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes red blood cells that vary in shape?

Variation in red blood cell shape is described as poikilocytosis. The term comes from poikilo- meaning varied and cyte meaning cell, highlighting irregular shapes seen on a peripheral smear. This is the best fit because the question focuses on shape, not size. Poikilocytosis encompasses a range of irregular forms (like elliptocytes, target cells, spherocytes, and schistocytes) that indicate underlying pathology. By contrast, anisocytosis refers to variation in size, microcytosis to smaller-than-normal cells, and macrocytosis to larger-than-normal cells.

Variation in red blood cell shape is described as poikilocytosis. The term comes from poikilo- meaning varied and cyte meaning cell, highlighting irregular shapes seen on a peripheral smear. This is the best fit because the question focuses on shape, not size. Poikilocytosis encompasses a range of irregular forms (like elliptocytes, target cells, spherocytes, and schistocytes) that indicate underlying pathology. By contrast, anisocytosis refers to variation in size, microcytosis to smaller-than-normal cells, and macrocytosis to larger-than-normal cells.

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