Which leukocyte class includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils?

• A. Granulocytes
• B. Agranulocytes
• C. Lymphocytes
• D. Monocytes

Answer: (A)

Leukocytes can be grouped by whether their cytoplasm contains visible granules. Those with Granules are called granulocytes. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils all have cytoplasmic granules, and they typically show multilobed or segmented nuclei on microscope slides. This shared feature is why they’re classified together as granulocytes. In contrast, lymphocytes and monocytes lack visible granules in their cytoplasm, so they’re agranulocytes. Lymphocytes focus on adaptive immunity, while monocytes become macrophages. So the class that includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils is granulocytes.