Monocytes are precursor cells for the mononuclear phagocytic system, which include cells such as macrophages, osteoclasts, and microglial cells in connective tissue and organs. These cells have similar functions as mast cells.Īgranulocytes consist of lymphocytes and monocytes, and while they lack specific granules, they do contain azurophilic granules. The basophilia of the granules is due to the presence of heparin and sulfated glycosaminoglycans. These cells have life spans of a few days, and when activated in connective tissue, undergo apoptosis and are then removed by macrophages.Įosinophils have a bi-lobed nucleus with large cytoplasmic specific granules that are eosinophilic, staining red to pink.īasophils are 12 to15 µm in diameter, have bi-lobed or S-shaped nuclei, and contain cytoplasmic specific granules (0.5 µm) in diameter that stain blue to purple. Neutrophils, when activated, migrate into the tissues via diapedesis.

Neutrophils contain specific granules in the cytoplasm that cannot be resolved by light microscopy and, therefore, give the cytoplasm a pale pink color. Thus, they are also called polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Neutrophils are 12 to 15 µm in diameter and have multi-lobed nuclei typically consisting of 3 to 5 segments joined by thin strands or isthmuses. Histologically, granulocytes can be distinguished from one another by the morphology of their nucleus, their size, and how their granules stain. These cells also all have azurophilic granules (lysosomes) and specific granules that contain substances unique to each cell's function. Neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils are all granulocytes. Leukocytes can be classified as granulocytes and agranulocytes based on the presence and absence of microscopic granules in their cytoplasm when stained with Giemsa or Leishman stains.

Blood type percentages us