What are the differences between granulocytes and agranulocytes?

Basis of differentiation

Granulocytes 

Agranulocytes 

Definition 

Are a type of white blood cell that contains enzyme granules in the cytoplasm

Are a type of white blood cell that does not contain granules in the cytoplasm

Originates from 

Bone marrow 

Lymph nodes

Also known as

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes

Mononuclear leukocytes

Types 

• Basophils
• Neutrophils
• Eosinophils 

• Lymphocytes
• Monocytes 
• Macrophages

Concentration 

65% of total leukocytes

35% of total leukocytes

Lobes in nucleus

2 - 5

1 

Role in immune system

Are involved in innate immunity

Are involved in adaptive immunity

Types of immunity

Innate general Immunity

Specific and Humoral Immunity

Effect on parasites 

Can kill parasites

Cannot kill Parasites

Histamine production 

Produce histamine

Do not produce histamine