Topics:
Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher
Avian Neutrophils are Known as
In birds, neutrophils are known as:
- Heterophils — Correct Answer
- Rubricyte
- Heterocytes
- Rubriblast
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Heterophils
In birds, the neutrophil equivalent is called Heterophils (not neutrophils). They function similarly to mammalian neutrophils as the first line of defense against bacterial infections.
Heterophils vs Neutrophils
- Mammalian neutrophils contain blue-violet (azurophilic) granules on Romanowsky staining.
- Avian heterophils contain eosinophilic (reddish-orange), rod-shaped or fusiform granules — hence they stain differently and are named 'hetero' (different) philic (loving/staining).
- Both are highly phagocytic and serve as the first line of defense.
- Example: In a chicken with Salmonella infection, heterophils are the first cells to arrive at the infection site.
Other Avian-Specific Blood Cell Terms
- Heterophils: Avian neutrophils (first line of defense)
- Rubriblast: Earliest stage in erythrocyte formation (RBC precursor)
- Rubricyte: An intermediate stage in RBC development (has a pyknotic nucleus)
📚 About this Topic — Animal Physiology
This multiple choice question is from Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Physiology to strengthen your preparation.
