Final answer:
Neutrophils fighting infection contain granular inclusions like lysozyme, oxidants, and defensins, which are essential for breaking down the pathogens. Lysosomes with digestive enzymes are also present and are indicative of neutrophil activity during an immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reactive neutrophils prepared to fight an infection often contain visible granular inclusions within their cytoplasm. These granules are crucial for the neutrophil's function as a phagocyte that engulfs and digests pathogens. Neutrophils contain granule substances such as lysozyme, which breaks down bacterial cell walls; oxidants like hydrogen peroxide; and defensins, antimicrobial proteins that disrupt bacterial and fungal cell membranes leading to cell death.
High counts of neutrophils usually indicate an ongoing infection or inflammation. Furthermore, specific granules called lysosomes contain enzymes that digest engulfed pathogens. During conditions such as burns, the count and activity of neutrophils increase to fight off potential infections arising from the compromised skin barrier.