What are the six stages of the granulocyte system?

The granulocyte system is generally divided into myeloblasts, promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, band neutrophils, and segmented neutrophils.

1. Myeloblasts

Myeloblasts arise from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow after differentiation and represent one of the earliest stages in the granulocytic lineage. They are typically round or slightly flattened oval cells with uniform chromatin distribution, scant cytoplasm, and a few fine granules.

2. Promyelocytes

Promyelocytes are larger than myeloblasts and usually have an oval shape with an indentation on one side. Nuclear heterochromatin tends to aggregate, and nucleoli may be present or absent. Granules are unevenly distributed and often concentrated in the central Golgi region near the nucleus.

3. Myelocytes

Myelocytes are light purple in color, with a diameter ranging from 10 to 20 μm. They are relatively uniform in size and clearly visible under a microscope. Myelocytes can be further classified into neutrophilic myelocytes, eosinophilic myelocytes, and basophilic myelocytes.

4. Metamyelocytes

Metamyelocytes have abundant cytoplasm filled with neutral granules. The nucleus lacks nucleoli.

5. Band Neutrophils

Band neutrophils are round-shaped with relatively abundant cytoplasm containing a small number of basophilic granules.

6. Segmented Neutrophils

Segmented neutrophils typically contain 2–5 nuclear lobes, and their cytoplasm appears pale blue.

In addition, it's important in daily life to maintain adequate nutritional intake and focus on enhancing the body's immune function.