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Biomarkers

What are Polymorphonuclear Granulocytes? Definition+List

Polymorphonuclear Granulocytes definition meaning high low reference ranges

A Polymorphonuclear Granulocyte is a type of white blood cell that has granules (=small particles) with enzymes in their cytoplasm. They are released during infections, allergic reactions, and asthma.

Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are polymorphonuclear granulocytes. They are called polymorphonuclear because of the varying shapes of their nucleus (usually lobed into 3 segments.)

As you can see in the image below, the nuclei of the other white blood cells, Monocytes and Lymphocytes, are not lobed into 3 segments.

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