What term describes the presence of WBCs with swollen, ragged, poorly stained nuclei?

The term that describes the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) with swollen, ragged, poorly stained nuclei is karyolysis. This condition indicates a form of nuclear degeneration often associated with cellular inflammation or death. In karyolysis, the chromatin within the nucleus fades and eventually disappears, leading to the formation of nuclei that are no longer distinct or well-defined—contributing to the appearance of swelling and poor staining characteristics.

This phenomenon is typically an indicator of cellular injury, particularly in response to necrosis, where the cell structure is compromised, and the nuclear material begins to dissolve. Observing karyolysis in WBCs can suggest an ongoing pathological process within the tissue from which the cells are derived, such as an infection or inflammatory response.

Understanding the morphology of WBCs and their nuclear changes like karyolysis is crucial in cytology to assess the underlying conditions affecting the tissues. Recognizing these abnormalities helps in diagnosing infections, inflammation, and other cytopathological changes.