How do leukocytes appear under a microscope?

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, exhibit a variety of shapes and characteristics under a microscope, and the description of being spherical and granular accurately reflects their appearance. These cells are primarily involved in the immune response and can be classified into different types, including granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Granulocytes, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, possess visible granules in their cytoplasm, which can be stained and observed under a microscope. These granules contain various substances that help in the immune response. The spherical shape is typical for many leukocytes, allowing for efficient movement through the circulatory system and tissues.

The other options do not accurately describe the most common appearance of leukocytes. Flat and irregular shapes do not reflect the typical morphology seen in leukocytes, and describing them as small and round or small and granular could misrepresent the prominent features that distinguish different types of leukocytes, especially the granulocytes with their visible granules. Therefore, the description of leukocytes as spherical and granular is the most accurate reflection of how they appear under microscopic examination.