Definition: A polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN), or granulocyte, is a type of white blood cell whose nucleus has several different rounded parts referred to as lobes. The connections between these lobes are often so slender that the cell appears to have multiple nuclei. Another characteristic feature of this type of cell is the grainy appearance of the cell's cytoplasm under the microscope when stained with a stain called "Wright's stain." That's how we get the other name for this type of white blood cell -- "granulocyte."
Also Known As: Granular leukocyte, Granulocyte, Polymorphonuclear Cell, Poly, PMN
Examples: Eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils are all examples of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
