Which term is a synonym for Target cells?

Study for the Hematology 1 Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for success!

Target cells are red blood cells with a higher surface area-to-volume ratio due to extra membrane relative to their cytoplasm, which gives them a distinctive appearance and makes them a type of thin, membrane-rich cell. The term leptocyte describes this broad category of slender, membrane-rich red cells, of which the target (codocyte) morphology is a specific example. So leptocyte is a synonym for target cells because it captures the general cell type that includes the target-cell form. Schistocyte and drepanocyte describe different morphologies (fragmented cells and sickle-shaped cells, respectively), and codocyte is another name for the target cell itself, but the broader label that encompasses this morphology is leptocyte.