Lysosome
Chapter: 2
Intracytoplasmic organelles that are found within leukocytes, but most prominently in the granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils). These structures can fuse with the membranes of other organelles (e.g., phagocytic vacuoles) and the plasma membrane. When they fuse with a phagocytic vacuole, a phagolysosome is formed. When they fuse with the plasma membrane, (called exocytosis - see seperately)the contents of these storage granules are ejected into the extracellular environment. Lysosomal products can also be lost to the extracellular compartment when lysosomes fuse with phagocytic vacuoles before the latter are completely closed (regurgitation while feeding).