Question

multiple select question
select all that apply
choose all that are characteristic of monocytes.

□ they are the smallest white blood cells, often smaller than rbc.
□ they are a type of granulocyte.
□ they differentiate into macrophages and phagocytize pathogens.
□ the nucleus is large and clearly visible, ovoid, kidney - shaped, or horseshoe - shaped

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: Monocytes are not the smallest white blood cells; lymphocytes can be small, and monocytes are larger, often larger than RBC. So this is incorrect.
2. Analyze the second option: Monocytes are agranulocytes (lack granules), while granulocytes include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils. So this is incorrect.
3. Analyze the third option: Monocytes differentiate into macrophages (and dendritic cells) which phagocytize pathogens. This is a key characteristic.
4. Analyze the fourth option: Monocytes have a large, visible nucleus that can be ovoid, kidney - shaped, or horseshoe - shaped. This is a correct morphological feature.

Answer:

• They differentiate into macrophages and phagocytize pathogens.
• The nucleus is large and clearly visible, ovoid, kidney - shaped, or horseshoe - shaped.