A cell characterized by a nucleus with two to five lobes, a diameter of 10 to 15 μm, and a large number of neutral staining granules is identified as a(n)

A cell characterized by a nucleus with two to five lobes, a diameter of 10 to 15 μm, and a large number of neutral staining granules is identified as a(n)

• A. Eosinophil
• B. Monocyte
• C. Basophil
• D. Neutrophil

Answer: (D)

The described cell fits neutrophils. The nucleus is segmented into multiple lobes (typically 2–5), giving a multilobed appearance, and the size (about 10–15 μm) matches neutrophils well. The abundance of neutral-staining granules is also characteristic; these granules contain enzymes like myeloperoxidase and defensins used to kill bacteria during phagocytosis. In contrast, eosinophils have red-orange granules and usually a bilobed nucleus, basophils have numerous granules that stain blue with basic dyes, and monocytes are larger with a kidney-shaped nucleus and fewer granules. Neutrophils are the first responders to bacterial infections and play a key role in acute inflammation.

The described cell fits neutrophils. The nucleus is segmented into multiple lobes (typically 2–5), giving a multilobed appearance, and the size (about 10–15 μm) matches neutrophils well. The abundance of neutral-staining granules is also characteristic; these granules contain enzymes like myeloperoxidase and defensins used to kill bacteria during phagocytosis. In contrast, eosinophils have red-orange granules and usually a bilobed nucleus, basophils have numerous granules that stain blue with basic dyes, and monocytes are larger with a kidney-shaped nucleus and fewer granules. Neutrophils are the first responders to bacterial infections and play a key role in acute inflammation.