What differentiates granulocytes from agranulocytes?

• A. a) Granulocytes contain cytoplasmic granules, but agranulocytes do not.
• B. Granulocytes contain cytoplasmic granules that can be easily visualized under a microscope after staining.
• C. Granulocytes are larger.
• D. Granulocytes are smaller.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic classification of white blood cells (WBCs) into two main categories: granulocytes and agranulocytes.
2. Recognize that granulocytes are a type of WBC characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm, which can be stained and observed under a microscope.
3. Identify the three main types of granulocytes: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, each with distinct staining properties and functions.
4. Acknowledge that agranulocytes, in contrast, do not have visible cytoplasmic granules and include lymphocytes and monocytes.
5. Conclude that the primary differentiating factor between granulocytes and agranulocytes is the presence or absence of cytoplasmic granules, which is the key to their classification.