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All circulating blood cells are nucleated and it is not unusual to see mitotic figures in the peripheral circulation. The blood cells include erythrocytes, thrombocytes, heterophils, eosinophils, [[Basophils|basophils]], [[Azurophils|azurophils]], [[Monocytes|monocytes]] and lymphocytes.

All circulating blood cells are nucleated and it is not unusual to see mitotic figures in the peripheral circulation. The blood cells include erythrocytes, thrombocytes, heterophils, eosinophils, [[Basophils - Reptile|basophils]], [[Azurophils|azurophils]], [[Monocytes|monocytes]] and lymphocytes.

==Erythrocytes==

==Erythrocytes==

Reptilian erythrocytes are nucleated and may stay in the peripheral circulation for several years. They are elliptic and have a centrally located, basophilic nucleus. The homogeneous cytoplasm is translucent and light pink-orange. Intraerythrocytic parasites are not uncommon.  Erythrocytes are the most abundant cell in peripheral blood and peripheral blood smears. The cell count will vary depending on environmental conditions, nutritional status, sex (M>F) and season. Red cell parameters and indices are an important part of health assessment in reptiles.  

Reptilian erythrocytes are nucleated and may stay in the peripheral circulation for several years. They are elliptic and have a centrally located, basophilic nucleus. The homogeneous cytoplasm is translucent and light pink-orange. Intraerythrocytic parasites are not uncommon.  Erythrocytes are the most abundant cell in peripheral blood and peripheral blood smears. The cell count will vary depending on environmental conditions, nutritional status, sex (M>F) and season. Red cell parameters and indices are an important part of health assessment in reptiles.