Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are classified as which of the following?

Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are classified as which of the following?

• A. Polymorphonuclear cells
• B. Granulocytes
• C. Leukocytes
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

These cells share three ways of being categorized, so each label applies. They are granulocytes because their cytoplasm is filled with visible granules that stain with standard dyes. They are leukocytes because they are white blood cells involved in the immune system. They are polymorphonuclear because their nuclei have multiple lobes, giving a segmented, multi-part appearance. Because neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils fit all of these descriptions, the most accurate choice is all of the above.

These cells share three ways of being categorized, so each label applies. They are granulocytes because their cytoplasm is filled with visible granules that stain with standard dyes. They are leukocytes because they are white blood cells involved in the immune system. They are polymorphonuclear because their nuclei have multiple lobes, giving a segmented, multi-part appearance. Because neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils fit all of these descriptions, the most accurate choice is all of the above.