When examining urine, which type of cells is larger than erythrocytes but slightly smaller than renal epithelial cells?

The correct choice identifies leukocytes as being larger than erythrocytes but slightly smaller than renal epithelial cells.

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, play a critical role in the immune response and are typically present in urine when infection or inflammation occurs in the urinary tract. Their size can vary, but they are generally larger than red blood cells, which are about 6-8 micrometers in diameter. In contrast, renal epithelial cells, which come from the lining of the kidneys, are usually larger than leukocytes, measuring up to 20 micrometers or more depending on the specific type of epithelial cell.

In a urinary sediment examination, recognizing the size of leukocytes relative to other cells is vital for diagnosing conditions such as urinary tract infections, as their presence often indicates underlying issues. Understanding cellular sizes allows for accurate interpretation of urine samples, which is crucial in clinical pathology.