It has a single multiobed nucleus and a dense granular appearance of the cytoplasm. The chromatin of the nucleus is coarsely clumped which is considered an abnormal structure. This chromatin structure was taken as evidence that the nucleus was transcriptionally inactive. Now it is known that the nucleus does perform active transcription. The cytoplasm contains small amounts of Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum.
Mitochondria are also difficult to detect.
It is believe that the mitochondria play little or no role in neutrophil physiology. Any structures detected are more than likely vestigial organelles form earlier developmental stages of the neutrophil. Since it has no mitochondria, the cell derives the energy it requires for cell function by glycolysis. Granules are the most abundant membrane bound organelle. Granules contain an array of antimicrobial protein.