Description:

Howell-Jolly bodies are nuclear remnants, usually located eccentrically in reticulocytes and erythrocytes. They are generally derived from chromosomes during abnormal divisions. Similar small nuclear fragments may be produced by pathologic fragmentation of the nucleus (karyorrhexis).

Size:

1-1.5 µm

Shape:

Round bodies inclusions that stain homogeneously dark purple by Pappenheimer’s method.

Significance:

Very rare in normal people but common after the removal of the spleen, in some hemolytic anemias and in megaloblastic anemia. They may occur in very severe anemias.