Why are leucocytes classified as granulocytes and mention its functions .

Explanation

White blood corpuscles are colourless. They are nucleated cells. They are found in the bone marrow, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes. They are grouped into two categories: 1. Granulocytes 2. Agranulocytes.
1. Granulocytes: They contain granules in their cytoplasm. Their nucleus is irregular or lobed. The granulocytes are of three types,
(a) Neutrophils: They are large in size and have a 2 - 7 lobed nucleus. Their numbers are increased during infection and inflammation.
(b) Eosinophils: It has a bilobed nucleus. Their numbers increases during conditions of allergy and parasitic infections. It brings about detoxification of toxins.
(c) Basophils: Basophils have lobed nucleus. They release chemicals during the process of inflammation.
2. Agranulocytes: Granules are not found in the cytoplasm of these cells. Thy are of two types,
(a) Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes produce antibodies during bacterial and viral infections.
(b) Monocytes: They are the largest of the leucocytes and are amoeboid in shape. They are phagocytic and can engulf bacteria