Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes: Definitions, Types, and Functions

Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes Overview

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.

What are White Blood Cells?

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.

Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes Definitions

Definitions of Granulocytes

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.

Definitions of Agranulocytes

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.

Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes Types and Their Functions

Types and Functions of Granulocytes

Granulocytes are classified into three types-

1. Eosinophils: They are kidney-shaped granulocytes that help provide a defense mechanism against parasite infections. By generating allergic reactions, they also aid in the battle against collagen illnesses and allergies in the body.
2. Basophils: They are cells that can be detected in the circulation or bone marrow. They are detected in the smallest amounts and contribute to antigen or allergic reactions. They serve to prevent blood clotting within blood vessels because they contain the anticoagulant heparin. They can release histamines and other substances that are useful to the mechanism in addition to heparin.
3. Neutrophils: Neutrophils account for around 60% of all granulocytes in the blood and are thus the most prevalent cell type in the blood. They follow a migratory mechanism to defend the body from fungal or bacterial infection. They are the first to react to inflammation caused by an infected cell.

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Types and Functions of Agranulocytes

Agranulocytes are classified into three types-

1. Lymphocytes: They include B-cells, which produce T-cells, antibodies, and natural killer cells. These T and B cells are engaged in recognizing various antigens and generating specific antibodies against those diseases. Lymphocytes are found in the lymphatic system of the blood and help to keep the human body stable.
2. Macrophages: Macrophages aid in the digestion of pathogens and cellular waste in the human body. They are uninucleated with fewer lobes and are hence classified as agranulocytes.
3. Monocytes: Monocytes have an amoeboid form and are plentiful. They play a role in an organism's adaptive and innate immune systems. They produce chemokines and cytokines and can enter tissue in 8-12 hours. They perform a crucial function by supplying T-cells, which aid in recognizing infections and killing them in the future.

Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes

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-

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Similarities Between Granulocytes and agranulocytes

The following are some of the similarities between granulocytes and agranulocytes-

1. Agranulocytes and granulocytes are two types of white blood cells.
2. During the defensive processes, both behave as immune cells.
3. They can be found in the bloodstream.

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Points to Remember

1. Agranulocytes come in three varieties: macrophages, lymphocytes, and monocytes.
2. Eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils are the three kinds of granulocytes.
3. Granulocytes account for 65% of total white blood cells in the blood, whereas agranulocytes account for 35% of total white blood cells.
4. Granulocytes and agranulocytes are white blood cells that play an essential role in providing the human body with a defensive system.
5. Granulocytes are derived from the body's bone marrow, while agranulocytes are derived from the body's lymphoid tissues.
6. Granulocytes have granular cytoplasm, whereas agranulocytes lack granules.