What are granulocytes?

Granulocytes are a specific type of white blood cell characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. This group includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, which play crucial roles in the body’s immune response. Neutrophils are primarily involved in phagocytosing bacteria and fungi, serving as the first line of defense during an infection. Eosinophils are important in combating parasitic infections and also play a role in allergic reactions. Basophils are involved in inflammatory responses and the release of histamine.

The other options represent different types of blood components. Red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport, while platelets are involved in blood clotting. Lymphocytes and monocytes are types of agranulocytes, which do not have visible granules and include cells such as T cells and B cells, which are important in adaptive immunity. Recognizing the specific roles and characteristics of each blood component helps in understanding their function within the immune system.