What is the role of basophils in the blood?

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the immune response, particularly in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses. They are a part of the body's defense mechanism and contain granules filled with various chemicals, including histamine.

When basophils encounter allergens or are activated by certain immune triggers, they release histamine and other mediators into the surrounding tissues or bloodstream. Histamine is a crucial component in dilating blood vessels and increasing vascular permeability, leading to the classic signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, and itching. This release of histamine helps to facilitate immune responses by allowing other immune cells to access the affected areas more easily.

Therefore, the primary role of basophils in the blood is to produce and release histamine, which contributes to the body's overall inflammatory response and aids in the defense against pathogens.