MLAB 1315
Hematology
Unit 5: Erythrocyte
Learning Objectives
At the end of this unit, the student should be able to:
1. Define erythropoieses, state the name of the growth factor which
stimulates RBC production and state its source.
2. List two nomenclatures used to describe the stages of RBC
maturation.
3. List the proper cell maturation sequence of the erythroid series from
the stem cell to the mature red cell.
4. Classify each cell type in the RBC maturation series by describing cell
size, nuclear size, cytoplasmic color, nuclear color and nuclear
chromatin.
5. Describe the changes in cytoplasm, nucleus and cell size that occurs in
the maturation of the erythrocytic series.
6. Name the supravital stain used to identify reticulocyes.
7. Discuss the importance of red cell deformability
8. Discuss the mature erythrocyte including:
a. Function, lifespan and normal numbers for age and sex
b. Membrane characteristics
c. Energy pathways and utilization
d. Aging/destruction of the erythrocyte
9. List 3 areas of red cell metabolism that are important in normal RBC
survival and metabolism.
10. State the most abundant protein component of the RBC membrane.