| 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 |
