Agranulocytes
Agranulocytes
Agranulocytes (pronounced: a-gran-u-lo-cytes, from the Greek a meaning "without", granum meaning "grain", and kytos meaning "cell") are a type of white blood cell that does not contain visible granules in their cytoplasm. They are part of the immune system and are essential for the body's defense against infections.
Types of Agranulocytes
There are two main types of agranulocytes:
- Lymphocytes: These cells are responsible for the body's immune response. They are further divided into B cells, which produce antibodies, and T cells, which destroy infected cells.
- Monocytes: These cells are the largest type of white blood cell and can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells in response to an infection.
Function
Agranulocytes play a crucial role in the body's immune response. They are involved in both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Lymphocytes are responsible for the adaptive immune response, which is specific to the pathogen, while monocytes are involved in the innate immune response, which is the body's first line of defense against pathogens.
Production
Agranulocytes are produced in the bone marrow through a process called hematopoiesis. The production of agranulocytes is regulated by various growth factors and cytokines, including interleukin-7 (IL-7) and colony-stimulating factor (CSF).
Related Terms
- Granulocytes: These are a type of white blood cell that contains visible granules in their cytoplasm. They include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
- Leukocytes: This is the general term for all types of white blood cells, including both agranulocytes and granulocytes.
- Immune response: This is the body's defense mechanism against infections and diseases. It involves various cells and molecules, including agranulocytes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Agranulocytes
- Wikipedia's article - Agranulocytes
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