<P> Neutrophils (also known as neutrocytes) are the most abundant type of granulocytes and the most abundant (40% to 70%) type of white blood cells in most mammals . They form an essential part of the innate immune system . Their functions vary in different animals . </P> <P> They are formed from stem cells in the bone marrow and differentiated into subpopulations of neutrophil - killers and neutrophil - cagers . They are short - lived and highly motile, or mobile, as they can enter parts of tissue where other cells / molecules cannot . Neutrophils may be subdivided into segmented neutrophils and banded neutrophils (or bands). They form part of the polymorphonuclear cells family (PMNs) together with basophils and eosinophils . </P> <P> The name neutrophil derives from staining characteristics on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histological or cytological preparations . Whereas basophilic white blood cells stain dark blue and eosinophilic white blood cells stain bright red, neutrophils stain a neutral pink . Normally, neutrophils contain a nucleus divided into 2--5 lobes . </P> <P> Neutrophils are a type of phagocyte and are normally found in the bloodstream . During the beginning (acute) phase of inflammation, particularly as a result of bacterial infection, environmental exposure, and some cancers, neutrophils are one of the first - responders of inflammatory cells to migrate towards the site of inflammation . They migrate through the blood vessels, then through interstitial tissue, following chemical signals such as Interleukin - 8 (IL - 8), C5a, fMLP, Leukotriene B4 and H O in a process called chemotaxis . They are the predominant cells in pus, accounting for its whitish / yellowish appearance . </P>

How many lobes does a neutrophil nucleus have