What is the Difference Between Granular and Agranular Leukocytes?

The main difference between granular and agranular leukocytes lies in the presence or absence of granules in their cytoplasm. Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are an essential part of the immune system, playing a crucial role in protecting the body from wounds, disease, foreign bodies, pathogens, inflammation, and other immune responses.

Granular Leukocytes:

• Contain granules in their cytoplasm.
• Granules are tiny sacs that contain various enzymes, compounds, and other components used to defend against pathogens, reduce inflammation, and destroy cells.
• There are three types of granular leukocytes: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
• Neutrophils are the most common type of leukocyte, making up 50 to 70 percent of human leukocyte counts.

Agranular Leukocytes:

• Lack granules in their cytoplasm or have fewer and less obvious granules.
• Include monocytes and lymphocytes.
• Monocytes make up 2 to 8 percent of all leukocytes in the blood and are involved in phagocytosis of pathogens, old blood cells, cellular debris, and dead cells.
• Lymphocytes are involved in recognizing antigens, producing antibodies, and destroying cells that can cause damage to the body.

In summary, granular leukocytes have granules in their cytoplasm that play a role in defending against pathogens, while agranular leukocytes lack or have fewer granules and are involved in various immune responses, such as phagocytosis and antibody production.

Comparative Table: Granular vs Agranular Leukocytes

The main difference between granular and agranular leukocytes lies in the presence or absence of granules in their cytoplasm. Here is a table highlighting the differences between granular and agranular leukocytes:

Granular leukocytes, or granulocytes, are white blood cells that contain granules in their cytoplasm. They are responsible for innate immunity and include types such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. On the other hand, agranular leukocytes, or mononuclear leukocytes, lack granules in their cytoplasm and are involved in adaptive immunity. They comprise monocytes and lymphocytes.