Myelocytes are blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow and mature in the spleen and lymph nodes. They are the precursors of myeloid cells such as granulocytes and monocytes. Myelocytes contain a nucleus with a nucleolus and a cytoplasm that contains organelles and ribosomes. They also have the ability to phagocytose, that is, absorb and digest bacteria and other foreign particles.
Myelocytes are formed from myeloblasts, which are immature blood cells. They go through several stages of maturation before becoming mature myeloid cells. During the process of maturation, myelocytes lose their nucleus and acquire the ability to differentiate into various types of myeloid cells.
The functions of myelocytes include participation in the immune system, protection against infections and tumors, and participation in the production of blood clotting factors. In addition, they play an important role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating oxygen levels and other parameters of the body's internal environment.
In healthy people, myelocytes are usually found in the peripheral blood and do not cause any clinical manifestations. However, in some diseases, such as myeloproliferative disorders or infection, the number of myelocytes may increase, which can lead to various symptoms, including fever, bone pain and bleeding.