A normal M:E ratio is depicted in this slide. Notice that the area shown is a portion of the slide near a particle or spicule of marrow where the cells are numerous. The morphology can still be clearly differentiated. The small dark cells scattered throughout the slide are erythroid cells, while the larger, lighter staining cells are myeloid cells. The normal M:E ratio varies from 1.2 to 5 myeloid cells for each erythroid cell.