Let me share with you a difference between granulocytes and agranulocytes.
| Aspect | Granulocytes | Agranulocytes |
| Types | · Neutrophils
· Eosinophils · Basophils |
· Lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, NK cells)
· Monocytes |
| Granules | Distinct cytoplasmic granules | Lack distinct cytoplasmic granules |
| Nucleus | · Multilobed nucleus (neutrophils, eosinophils) · Bilobed nucleus (basophils) |
· Spherical or kidney-shaped nucleus |
| Role in Immune System | Involved in phagocytosis and inflammatory responses | Play roles in adaptive immune responses (lymphocytes) and phagocytosis (monocytes) |
| Phagocytic nature | Highly phagocytic, especially neutrophils and monocytes | Monocytes are phagocytic |
| Antigen presentation | Limited role in antigen presentation | Important in antigen presentation and immune response initiation |
| Release of chemical mediators | · Release granules containing enzymes
· Antimicrobial peptides · Histamine |
Release cytokines and other signaling molecules involved in immune responses |
| Lifetime in circulation | Short-lived in circulation, with rapid turnover | Can have longer lifespans |
| Percentage in blood | Comprise a significant percentage of white blood cells | Comprise a smaller percentage of white blood cells |
| Examples | · Neutrophils
· Eosinophils · Basophils |
· Lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, NK cells)
· Monocytes · Dendritic cells |