Second in abundance to neutrophils, these cells lack granules. The cytoplasm, often visible as a thin band around the nucleus can appear faintly granular due to stain artifacts. The rounded nucleus is typically a good characteristic for identification. Lymphocytes are classified as small or large depending on the amount of cytoplasm around the nucleus. The smallest lymphocytes are little more than a nucleus with a very thin envelope of cytoplasm. Lymphocytes are the antibody producing cells or effector cells of specific immune responses.
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