•The red blood cell in the center of the image contains a Howell-Jolly body.  Howell-Jolly bodies are small (0.5-1 micron) purple inclusions that contain DNA.  They are thought to represent chromosomes that have separated from the mitotic spindle that are left behind when the red cell nucleus is extruded.  These inclusions are generally removed by the spleen.  Patients with asplenia or hyposplenism may have increased Howell-Jolly bodies on their periperal blood smear.  A nucleated red blood cell is also present at the bottom left side of the image.