<prompt> Smudge cells in the peripheral smear are characteristic of:Chronic myelogenous leukemiaChronic lymphocytic leukemiaAcute myelogenous leukemiaAcute lymphoblastic leukemia  <response>: In CLL, the peripheral blood contains increased numbers of small, round lymphocytes with scant cytoplasm. These cells are fragile and are frequently disrupted in the process of making smears, producing so-called smudge cells. 