One of the cells pictured below is a human brain cell. The other cell is found in human blood. Which cell came from the brain? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

To determine which cell came from the brain, we need to consider the characteristics of brain cells versus blood cells.

1. Brain Cell Characteristics:

   • The primary types of cells in the brain are neurons and glial cells. Neurons are typically more elongated and have multiple processes (dendrites and axons) that extend from the cell body, allowing them to transmit signals. Glial cells, like astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, may also have distinct shapes but generally support neuronal functions.

2. Blood Cell Characteristics:

   • The main cells found in human blood include red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets. Red blood cells have a biconcave disc shape and lack a nucleus. White blood cells vary in shape but usually have a more rounded structure with a visible nucleus.

When comparing the two cells, the one that exhibits characteristics typical of neurons (elongated shape, presence of dendrites or axons) would be the brain cell. If you see a cell with a nucleus and a relatively round or rounded shape, it more likely represents a white blood cell.

Thus, if you provide visual details about the shapes and structures of the cells in question, I could help identify which one originates from the brain based on those characteristics. Generally, look for a cell that resembles a neuron or glial cell for a brain cell and a more uniform, rounded shape for a blood cell.