ASCP Specialist in Hematology (SH) Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

Degenerated erythrocyte cytoplasmic organelles that contain iron are called?

Cabot rings

Howell-Jolly bodies

Heinz bodies

Pappenheimer bodies

Pappenheimer bodies are indeed the correct answer to this question. These cytoplasmic inclusions are formed by the presence of iron and are typically seen in certain pathological conditions. They are identified in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and can be visualized using special staining techniques, such as Prussian blue stain, which highlights the iron present within these organelles.

Pappenheimer bodies are generally associated with disorders such as sideroblastic anemia, thalassemia, and conditions involving iron overload or ineffective erythropoiesis. The presence of these bodies indicates a disturbance in iron metabolism and the biosynthesis of hemoglobin.

Cabot rings are another type of erythrocyte inclusion, but they are not indicative of iron deposits. They are remnants of nuclear material found in red blood cells, typically associated with conditions like lead poisoning. Howell-Jolly bodies are small remnants of nuclear DNA found in erythrocytes, often linked to splenic dysfunction or absence, but they do not contain iron. Heinz bodies represent denatured hemoglobin and are related to oxidative stress in red blood cells, not iron deposits. Thus, the distinct association of Pappenheimer bodies with iron content makes it the appropriate choice for this question.

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