Agranulocytes

Lymphocytes generally comprise between 25-30% of the white cells in human blood. These immunologically active cells are comprised of several classes, each of which has specific properties and functions.

Monocytes (macrophages) are part of the mononuclear phagocytic system. They are large, mononuclear cells and comprise 3-8% of the leukocytes found in the peripheral blood. Monocytes originate in the bone marrow. When the mature cells enter the peripheral blood, they are called monocytes; when they leave the blood and infiltrate tissues, they are called macrophages. These cells play an important role in the induction of the immune response. They present antigen to the lymphocytes that bear specific receptors for the antigen and also act as effector cells, attacking certain microorganisms and neoplastic cells.

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