What is "neutrophil"

Neutrophil \Neu"tro*phil\, Neutrophile \Neu"tro*phile\, n. [L. neuter + Gr. ? loving.] (Physiol.) One of a group of leukocytes whose granules stain only with neutral dyes; it is the chief phagocytic leukocyte in the circulating blood, comprising from 54% to 65% of the total number of leukocytes. -- Neu"tro*phil"ic, a., Neu*troph"i*lous, a.

a. (context biology medicine English) Of a cell: being more easily or more fully stained by neutral dyes than by acidic or alkaline (basic) ones. n. (context biology medicine English) Such a cell, especially a white blood cell.

n. the chief phagocytic leukocyte; stains with either basic or acid dyes [syn: neutrophile]

Neutrophil (also known as neutrophils or occasionally neutrocytes) are the most abundant type of granulocytes and the most abundant (40% to 75%) type of white blood cells in most mammals. They form an essential part of the innate immune system. Its functionality varies in different animals.

They are formed from stem cells in the bone marrow. They are short-lived and highly motile, or mobile, as they can enter parts of tissue where other cells/molecules wouldn't be able to enter otherwise. Neutrophils may be subdivided into segmented neutrophils and banded neutrophils (or bands). They form part of the polymorphonuclear cell family (PMNs) together with basophils and eosinophils.

The name neutrophil derives from staining characteristics on hematoxylin and eosin ( H&E) histological or cytological preparations. Whereas basophilic white blood cells stain dark blue and eosinophilic white blood cells stain bright red, neutrophils stain a neutral pink. Normally, neutrophils contain a nucleus divided into 2–5 lobes.

Neutrophils are a type of phagocyte and are normally found in the bloodstream. During the beginning ( acute) phase of inflammation, particularly as a result of bacterial infection, environmental exposure, and some cancers, neutrophils are one of the first-responders of inflammatory cells to migrate towards the site of inflammation. They migrate through the blood vessels, then through interstitial tissue, following chemical signals such as Interleukin-8 (IL-8), C5a, fMLP and Leukotriene B4 in a process called chemotaxis. They are the predominant cells in pus, accounting for its whitish/yellowish appearance.

Neutrophils are recruited to the site of injury within minutes following trauma, and are the hallmark of acute inflammation; however, due to some pathogens being indigestible, they can be unable to resolve certain infections without the assistance of other types of immune cell.