Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which type of white blood cells are known as granulocytes?

1. Lymphocytes

2. Neutrophils

3. Basophils

4. Monocytes

The correct answer is: Basophils

Granulocytes are a specific type of white blood cell characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. The granules contain enzymes and other substances that are critical for fighting infections and responding to inflammation. Neutrophils, a predominant type of granulocyte, play a key role in the immune response by engulfing and destroying pathogens. Basophils also fall under the category of granulocytes and are involved in inflammatory responses, particularly allergic reactions. While lymphocytes and monocytes are also types of white blood cells, they do not contain the granular cytoplasm that characterizes granulocytes. Lymphocytes are primarily involved in adaptive immunity, while monocytes can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells, playing important roles in phagocytosis and antigen presentation. Therefore, the statement identifies basophils correctly as granulocytes, which include neutrophils and eosinophils as well.