Basophils are characterized by which of the following?

Prepare for the Anatomy and Physiology II Milestone 1 Test with engaging questions, in-depth explanations, and focused study resources. Start your journey to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Basophils are characterized by which of the following?

Basophils are a type of granulocyte that plays a role in allergic and inflammatory responses by releasing histamine and other mediators when activated. This release helps cause the redness, swelling, and itching seen in allergic reactions and promotes the movement of other immune cells to the affected area. They do not differentiate into macrophages; macrophages come from monocytes that leave the bloodstream and mature in tissues. Basophils aren’t primary phagocytes like neutrophils or macrophages, so engulfing bacteria isn’t their main function. They also don’t produce antibodies—antibody production is the job of B cells that become plasma cells. So the best description is that basophils are involved in allergic reactions and release histamine but do not become macrophages.

Basophils are a type of granulocyte that plays a role in allergic and inflammatory responses by releasing histamine and other mediators when activated. This release helps cause the redness, swelling, and itching seen in allergic reactions and promotes the movement of other immune cells to the affected area.

They do not differentiate into macrophages; macrophages come from monocytes that leave the bloodstream and mature in tissues. Basophils aren’t primary phagocytes like neutrophils or macrophages, so engulfing bacteria isn’t their main function. They also don’t produce antibodies—antibody production is the job of B cells that become plasma cells.

So the best description is that basophils are involved in allergic reactions and release histamine but do not become macrophages.

More practice questions