Page 131 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition
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VetBooks.ir Leukocyte Classification
Examination of a stained blood smear reveals many types of
leukocyte. Those with a cytoplasm filled with granules are called
granulocytes (Fig. 5.2). Granulocytes also have a characteristic
lobulated, irregular nucleus, so they are described as
“polymorphonuclear” (as opposed to the single, rounded nucleus
of “mononuclear” cells such as macrophages). Granulocytes are
classified based on the staining properties of their granules. Cells
whose granules take up basic dyes such as hematoxylin are called
basophils; those that take up acidic dyes such as eosin are called
eosinophils; and those that take up neither are called neutrophils.
All three populations play important defensive roles.
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