Neutropenia
Neutrophils have “neutral” subtle granules;
Eosinophils have prominent granules that stain readily with the acid dye eosin; and
Basophils have prominent granules that stain readily basic (nonacidic) dyes.
This classification dates back to a time when certain structures could be identified in cells by histochemistry, but the functions of these intracellular structures were still not yet fathomed. However, the classification of granulocytes into neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils is still widely used (and quite useful).
Granulocytopenia can therefore more specifically involve neutropenia (shortage of neutrophils), eosinopenia and/or basopenia. The term “neutropenia” is sometimes used interchangeably with granulocytopenia or agranulocytosis.
Read Also:
- Neutropenia, severe congenital (SCN)
Kostmann’s disease or syndrome, infantile genetic agranulocytosis and genetic infantile agranulocytosis.
- Neutrophil
A type of white blood cell, a granulocyte that is filled with microscopic granules, little sacs containing enzymes that digest microorganisms. Also known as polymorphonuclear leukocyte or poly.
- Neutrophilia
More than the normal number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell (specifically a form of granulocyte) filled with neutrally-staining granules, tiny sacs of enzymes that help the cell to kill and digest microorganisms it has engulfed by phagocytosis. The mature neutrophil has a segmented nucleus (it is called a seg or poly) while […]
- Nevus
A pigmented spot on the skin, such as a mole. The plural of nevus is nevi.
- New Engl J Med
The New England Journal of Medicine.