What is the difference between granular and non-granular leukocytes?

Granular leukocytes, also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), are white blood cells that have granules in their cytoplasm. These granules contain enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, and reactive oxygen species that are used to kill and digest foreign particles. Granular leukocytes include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Non-granular leukocytes, also known as mononuclear leukocytes, do not have granules in their cytoplasm. These cells include lymphocytes and monocytes. Lymphocytes are responsible for the adaptive immune response, which is specific to particular pathogens. Monocytes are large phagocytic cells that engulf and destroy foreign particles.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between granular and non-granular leukocytes:

| Feature | Granular leukocytes | Non-granular leukocytes |

|---|---|---|

| Granules | Present | Absent |

| Cell types | Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils | Lymphocytes, monocytes |

| Function | Kill and digest foreign particles | Adaptive immune response, phagocytosis |

Granular and non-granular leukocytes are both essential for the body's immune system. They work together to protect the body from infection and disease.