<unk>  __NOTOC__ A<unk>  is a modified naive lymphocyte with altered cell morphology. It occurs when the lymphocyte is activated by an antigen (from antigen-presenting cells) and increased in volume by nucleus and cytoplasm growth as well as new mRNA and protein synthesis. The<unk>  then starts dividing two to four times every 24 hours for three to five days, with a single<unk>  making approximately 1000 clones of its original naive lymphocyte, with each clone sharing the originally unique antigen specificity. Finally the dividing cells differentiate into effector cells, known as plasma cells (for B cells), cytotoxic T cells, and helper T cells.<unk> s can also refer to immature cells which typically differentiate to form mature lymphocytes. Normally<unk> s are found in the bone marrow, but in acute<unk> ic leukemia (ALL),<unk> s proliferate uncontrollably and are found in large numbers in the peripheral blood. The size is between 10 and 20 μm. Although commonly<unk>  refers to a precursor cell in the maturation of leukocytes, the usage of this term is sometimes inconsistent. The Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Consortium defines a<unk>  as "A lymphocyte that has become larger after being stimulated by an antigen.<unk> s look like immature lymphocytes, and were once thought to be precursor cells." Commonly, when speaking about leukemia, "blast" is used as an abbreviation for<unk> s.<unk> s can be distinguished microscopically from myeloblasts by having less distinct nucleoli, more condensed chromatin, and an absence of cytoplasmic granules. However these morphologic distinctions are not absolute and a definitive diagnosis relies on antibody immunostaining for the presence of unique cluster of differentiation receptors.
Lymphoblast
Podocyte
Thymocyte
Prolymphocyte
Agranulocyte
Monocyte
Hematopoietic stem cell
Koilocyte