Basophils are a type of white blood cell that make up a small percentage of the total white blood cell count in the blood. Basophils are a type of granulocyte, which means that they contain granules or small particles in their cytoplasm. Basophils are identifiable under a microscope by their large, dark-staining granules. They play a role in the immune response by releasing chemicals such as histamine, which can cause inflammation and allergic reactions. Basophils are involved in the response to parasitic infections and have also been linked to the regulation of T-cell function. Basophils are derived from stem cells in the bone marrow and have a lifespan of only a few days in the bloodstream.
Facts about Basophiles
- Basophils are a type of white blood cell that makes up less than 1% of the total white blood cell count in the blood.
- Basophils are a type of granulocyte, which means that they contain granules or small particles in their cytoplasm.
- Basophils are typically found in the blood and in some tissues, such as the lungs and spleen.
- Basophils play a role in the immune response by releasing chemicals such as histamine, which can cause inflammation and allergic reactions.
- Basophils are involved in the response to parasitic infections.
- Basophils are one of the smallest types of white blood cells, with a diameter of only 10-12 micrometers.
- Basophils are derived from stem cells in the bone marrow.
- Basophils are identifiable under a microscope by their large, dark-staining granules.
- Basophils are more commonly found in peripheral blood smears than in bone marrow samples.
- Basophils have a lifespan of only a few days in the bloodstream.
- Basophils can be found in higher numbers in people with allergies or asthma.
- Basophil counts can be affected by certain medications, including corticosteroids and heparin.
- Basophils play a role in the process of wound healing and tissue repair.
- Basophils express several receptors that allow them to interact with other immune cells and molecules.
- Basophils are capable of migrating to various tissues in the body in response to a stimulus.
- Basophil counts can be increased in certain types of leukemia, including chronic myelogenous leukemia.
- Basophils are involved in the immune response to some bacterial infections.
- Basophils have been linked to the regulation of T-cell function.
- Basophils are involved in the initiation of the inflammatory response.
- Basophil counts are a useful diagnostic tool in certain types of blood disorders, including myelodysplastic syndromes.