Granulocyte

/ɡɹanjˈʊləsˌaɪt/

/ɡɹəˈnuɫoʊˌsaɪt/

[noun]

Granulocyte

[NOUN]

a type of white blood cell characterized by cytoplasmic granules and involved in the body's immune response

What is a "granulocyte"?

A granulocyte is a type of white blood cell characterized by the presence of granules in its cytoplasm. They play a vital role in the human body's immune response by defending against invading pathogens. The three main types of granulocytes are neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Neutrophils are the most abundant and are highly efficient in engulfing and destroying bacteria. Eosinophils are involved in combating parasitic infections and regulating allergic responses. Basophils release chemical mediators that contribute to inflammation and allergic reactions. Together, these granulocytes work in harmony to protect the body from harmful pathogens and maintain overall immune health.

Examples

1. Production of granulocytes and macrophages, the key players of the body’s innate immune response, is controlled by several colony-stimulating factors, CSFs.

2. Some of them are classified as granulocytes, which means a special part of their structure is that they can have granules in their cytoplasm which, when released, can aid them in destroying pathogens.

3. They were already making antibodies, but then they decided - Oh wow. - to become granulocytes, which is completely weird. -

4. TH2 cells also release some interleukin 5, which stimulates production and activation of eosinophils, a granulocyte, which is a type of white blood cell that degranulates or essentially releases a whole bunch of toxic substances that can damage both invading cells and nearby host cells.