What are the three types of granulocytes?

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. They play a crucial role in the body’s immune response. The three main types of granulocytes are neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granulocytes and are primarily responsible for responding to and fighting bacterial infections. Eosinophils are primarily involved in combating parasitic infections and also play a role in allergic reactions. Basophils, although the least common type of granulocyte, release histamine and other mediators involved in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions.

Understanding the classification and function of these cells is essential for medical laboratory scientists, as they are critical indicators of immune function and can provide insight into various health conditions and diseases.