Navicular cell
![](../I/m/Navicular_cell_--_extremely_high_mag.jpg)
Micrograph showing navicular cell in extremely high magnification
Navicular cell is a boat-shaped benign epithelial cell seen in Pap smear.[1] They are seen in pregnancy (most prominently during smears taken in the second trimester),[2] second half of menstrual cycle, during menopause and in women using medroxyprogesterone acetate (depo-provera) for contraception. Navicular cells have folded edges, with a thickened outer rim of cytoplasm and an eccentric nucleus. They contain abundant glycogen in the cytoplasm, giving it a central yellow halo. The cytoplasm appears golden, refractile and granular under the microscope. In depo-provera users, the high progesterone levels result in more exfoliation of superficial squamous cells, thereby causing navicular cells to appear in Pap smear.[3]
References
- ↑ Harshmohan (2010). Harshmohan's textbook of Pathology (5 ed.). New Delhi: Jaypee Publications. p. 280. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
- ↑ Sattenspiel, Edward (1950). "Vaginal cytology in normal pregnancy". Obstetrical and gynaecological survey. 6 (6): 800. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
- ↑ EE, Volk (23 September 2000). "Cytologic findings in cervical smears in patients using intramuscular medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-provera) for contraception". Diagnostic cytopathology. 23: 161–4. PMID 10945902.
Gallery
![](../I/m/Navicular_cell_--_high_mag.jpg)
High magnification view
![](../I/m/Navicular_cell_-_alt_--_very_high_mag.jpg)
Very high magnification view
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