This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Neutrophil

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Neutrophils are the most frequently occurring white blood cell. They possess 3-5 nuclear lobes and characteristic purple cytoplasmic staining with Romanowsky stains.

They have a key role in the local defence to injury during inflammation by ingesting and killing bacteria. They can also have systemic effects by releasing endogenous pyrogen to cause fever.

Alike the other granulocytes, basophils and eosinophils, they arise from the promyelocyte precursor cell within bone marrow. There are three populations of neutrophils:

  • post-mitotic pool: within bone marrow
  • marginating pool: of neutrophils adherent to endothelium in low flow exchange vessels
  • circulating pool: within blood

Once released from bone marrow, typically after about 2 weeks, neutrophils spend about a day in the circulation and 2-3 days in extravascular compartments.

At times of need, the post-mitotic and marginating pools can be mobilised to increase the number of circulating neutrophils. Mobilisation of the post-mitotic pool may lead to band cell appearance - the left shift.


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.