Definition
noun, plural: agranular leukocytes
A leukocyte lacking apparent cytoplasmic granules under a microscope
Supplement
Leukocytes may be classified as either granular or agranular in terms of cytoplasmic granules. Agranular leukocytes lack the apparent granules when viewed under a light microscope. In comparison, granular leukocytes have evident granules in their cytoplasm. Although agranular leukocytes seem to lack granules they do, in fact, have non-specific azurophilic granules. However, these granules are much less evident under the light microscope.
Agranular leukocytes include mononuclear leukocytes such as lymphocytes and monocytes.
Also called:
- agranulocyte
- nongranular leukocyte
Compare:
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