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Granulocyte

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Illustrations

Granulocyte
Granulocyte

Definition    Return to top

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. They are called granulocytes because they have small granules containing important proteins in them. They help fight bacterial infections. Persons who have reduced numbers of granulocytes are more susceptible to frequent and severe infections.

Update Date: 8/8/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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