Function & Kinetics of Granulocytes

The Process of Phagocytosis

  • Neutrophils have a relatively short life span.
  • They are produced in the bone marrow, and when they reach the band or segmented stages are released into the peripheral blood.
  • They remain there for approximately ten hours before randomly entering body tissues.
  • Neutrophils in the blood stream can be divided into circulating granulocyte pool(CGP) and marginating granulocytic pool (MGP).
  • The white blood cell count reflects the cells in the circulating pool.
  • The cells in the marginating pool move quickly into the circulating pool when needed.
  • During an infection the neutrophil concentration of the peripheral blood can increase almost immediately due to the shift of these cells from the marginating pool and release from the bone marrow storage pool, if needed.
  • Neutrophils then migrate to areas of tissue damage or infection.
  • Neutrophils do not reenter the blood stream from the tissues, thus end their life in the tissues either as a result of phagocytosis or senescence.

    • Earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.® credits for your state clinical laboratory personnel license. Visit LabCE.com for laboratory continuing education.

    Normal Peripheral Blood Cells course details »

    Learn more about laboratory continuing education for ASCP, AMT, NCA, and state renewal and recertification requirements »

    Get information on OSHA laboratory safety courses for clinical and medical laboratories »