How Do You Spell HOWELL JOLLY BODIES?

1. Howell-Jolly bodies are microscopic structures that can be observed within red blood cells under certain conditions. They are named after William Henry Howell and Justin Marie Jolly, who first described them in the early 20th century. Howell-Jolly bodies are characterized as small, round, basophilic inclusions that appear as compact dots within the erythrocytes when stained with a specific dye.

   The presence of Howell-Jolly bodies is typically abnormal and is often associated with various underlying medical conditions. Normally, red blood cells undergo a process known as pitting, where any nuclear remnants are removed before the cells are released into circulation. However, when this process is impaired due to certain factors, such as splenectomy (removal of the spleen) or a dysfunctional spleen, Howell-Jolly bodies can emerge.

   The appearance of Howell-Jolly bodies can serve as an indicator of impaired splenic function and can be seen in conditions like sickle cell disease, hemolytic anemias, megaloblastic anemias, and other conditions associated with decreased or absent splenic function. Howell-Jolly bodies are commonly used as a marker for evaluating the function of the spleen and can be observed through a blood smear examination.

   In summary, Howell-Jolly bodies are small, round, basophilic inclusions found within red blood cells. Their presence is often associated with conditions that impair normal spleen function and can provide important diagnostic information.

2. Jolly bodies.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

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