Final answer:
Granulocytes are a type of leukocytes with granules in their cytoplasm and a lobed nucleus, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. They play various roles in the immune response and are short-lived cells produced in the red bone marrow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Granulocytes
The types of leukocytes classified as granulocytes are characterized by abundant granules within their cytoplasm and a lobed nucleus. These granulocytes are essential in the body's immune response. They include the following:
- Neutrophils: Often referred to as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), they have small granules that stain light lilac and a multi-lobed nucleus, usually two to five lobes. Neutrophils are the most common type of granulocytes and serve as the first responders to sites of infection.
- Eosinophils: These cells have larger granules that stain reddish-orange and typically have a two to three-lobed nucleus. Eosinophils play a role in fighting off parasitic infections and in allergic responses.
- Basophils: With large granules that stain dark blue to purple, basophils have a less segmented nucleus, usually two lobes, and are involved in inflammatory reactions, particularly those that cause allergic symptoms.
All these granulocytes are produced in the red bone marrow and have a short lifespan, ranging from hours to days.