Granule (cell biology)
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In [[Cell (biology)|cell biology]], a '''granule''' can be any structure barely visible by light microscopy. The term is most often used to describe a [[Secretory_pathway|secretory]] [[Vesicle (biology)|vesicle]].
==Leukocytes==
A group of [[leukocytes]] called [[granulocytes]] contain granules and play an important role in the immune system. The granules of certain cells, such as [[Natural killer cell|Natural Killer Cells]], contain components which can lead to the [[lysis]] of neighboring cells. The granules of [[leukocytes]] are classified as [[azurophilic granules]] or [[specific granules]].
Leukocyte granules are released in response to immunological stimuli during a process known as [[degranulation]].
==Platelets==
The granules of [[platelets]] are classified as [[dense granule]]s and [[Platelet alpha-granule|alpha granule]]s.
==See also==
* [[Chromophil|Chromaffin granule]]
==External links==
* {{eMedicineDictionary|granule}}
* {{eMedicineDictionary|specific+granules}}
[[Category:Cell anatomy]]
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