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Home > Articles > Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes: Definitions, Types, and Functions
Updated on 15th May, 2023 , 4 min read
Granulocytes are innate immune system cells with granules in their cytoplasm. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN, PML, or PMNL) are another term for them. The absence of granules in the cytoplasm distinguishes agranular cells from granulocytes. The two types of agranulocytes seen in the circulation are lymphocytes and monocytes. These makeup approximately 35% of all hematologic blood values.
Leukocytes, usuallyreferred to as white blood cells, are in charge of defending your body against infection. White blood cells circulate in your circulation as a component of your immune system and react to damage or sickness.
Granulocytes are white blood cellswith granules in their cytoplasm, often known as granular white blood cells. In contrast to red blood cells and platelets, they include nuclei. Because their nucleus includes two to five lobes, they are known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Granulocyte granules contain digesting phagocytosed particles, enzymes, and inflammatory mediators that are released into the bloodstream when needed. They are primarily engaged in supplying the body with an innate immunity system by developing distinct immune responses based on the infection.
Agranulocytes are another form of white blood cell that lacks granules in its cytoplasm and are sometimes known as agranular white blood cells. They, like granulocytes, contain a nucleus, but their nucleus has only one lobe, or we may say that they have a non-segmented nucleus, and so they are termed mononuclear leukocytes. Stamins and other compounds aid the defense system. Agranulocytes have several enzymes in theirlysosomes and are mostly engaged in the adaptive immune system, where they provide an immune response based on the pathogen assaulting the human body.
Granulocytes are classified into three types-
Agranulocytes are classified into three types-
After reviewing a brief theory for both granulocytes and agranulocytes, let us analyze some of the differences between granulocytes and agranulocytes based on several parameters-
Parameters |
Granulocytes |
Agranulocytes |
Meaning |
Granules are found in the nucleus of white blood cells. |
Granules are missing from the nucleus of white blood cells. |
Also known as |
Polymorphonuclear leukocytes |
Mononuclear leukocytes |
Originates from |
Bone Marrow |
Lymphoid |
No. of Lobes |
2-5 |
1 |
Types of WBCs |
Eosinophils, Neutrophils, and Basophils. |
Lymphocytes, Monocytes, and Macrophages. |
Function |
Involved in the body's innate immune system. |
Involved in the body's adaptive immune system. |
Classification |
Basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils |
Lymphocytes, macrophages, monocytes |
% of Leukocytes |
65 |
35 |
Cytoplasm |
Contains granules |
Does not contain granules |
The following are some of the similarities between granulocytes and agranulocytes-
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By - Nikita Parmar 2024-09-06 10:59:22 , 6 min readAns. Granulocytes are white blood cells that aid the immune system in fighting illnesses. The number of granulocytes rises in response to infection, which aids in disease detection.
Ans. The most prevalent granulocytes are neutrophils. They account for over 70% of white blood cells.
Ans. Lymphocytes aid in the recognition of antigens, the production of antibodies, and the destruction of cells that might cause harm to the body.
Ans. Granulocytes are derived from bone marrow, whereas agranulocytes are derived from lymphoid tissue.
Ans. Granulocytes are white blood cells (WBCs) that help the immune system fight off infections. In response to infection, the number of granulocytes rises, which assists in disease diagnosis.
Ans. Macrophages are agranulocytes that absorb and kill foreign substances through the process of phagocytosis.
Ans. Neutrophils are the most common granulocytes. They make up more than 70% of all white blood cells.