Dictionary > Basophil

Basophil

Definition
noun, plural: basophils
A type of polymorphonuclear leukocyte characterized by having a nucleus with two or three lobes, presence of cytoplasmic granules that render the cell blue when stained with basic dyes, and whose immune function is primarily the release of histamine for inflammatory responses
Supplement
The polymorphonuclear leukocytes are characterized by having nuclei with three or more lobes joined by filamentous connections and cytoplasmic granules perceptible through conventional staining (e.g. H&E stain) and light microscopy. In humans, the polymorphonuclear leucocytes may be subdivided into eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils according to the staining properties of the granules. The basophils, in particular, are so named because it stains blue when stained with basic dyes.
Similar to other polymorphonuclear leukocytes, the basophil goes through the granulocytic series of hematopoiesis. Its developmental stages are as follows: hemocytoblast → common myeloid progenitor (or CFU-GEMM) → CFU-GM → CFU-G → myeloblast → basophilic promyelocyte → basophilic myelocyte → basophilic metamyelocyte → basophilic band cell → basophil. The mature basophils are released from the bone marrow and then migrate to tissues to carry out inflammatory responses. These cells contain histamine, heparin, prostaglandin, etc. They release histamine as an allergic or inflammatory response. Inflammation helps ease the entry of phagocytes into the target tissue site.
The basophils are relatively short-lived (with a lifetime ranging from a few hours to a few days), bi-lobed or tri-lobed nucleus, and size ranging from 12 to 15 μm. In humans, they are the rarest type of white blood cells, accounting for the 0.4%.
Synonym(s):

  • basocyte
  • basophilocyte
  • mast leukocyte

See also:

  • blood
  • leukocyte
  • polymorphonuclear leukocyte
  • neutrophil
  • eosinophil
  • hematopoiesis
  • granulopoiesis
  • inflammation
  • mast cell
  • basophile


  • You will also like...

    Origins of Life on Earth
    Origins of Life on Earth

    Earth was created around 4.5 billion years ago and life began not long after. Primitive life likely possessed the elemen..

    Structural depiction of catalase, an enzyme
    Protein Activity and Cellular Metabolism

    Proteins have a crucial role in various biological activities. Get to know how proteins are able to perform as enzymes, ..

    Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
    New Zealand’s Unique Geographical History

    Explore why New Zealand has such unique flora and fauna, and learn why long periods of geographical isolation. This less..

    Carbohydrates, fats and proteins - dietary sources
    A Balanced Diet – Carbohydrates and Fat

    Apart from vitamins, the human body also requires high energy sources such as carbohydrates and fats. If you want an ove..

    Schematic diagram of bacterial lactose operon
    Gene Action – Operon Hypothesis

    Learn how the way genes control and determine every aspect of the body. This lesson uses lac operon as an example. ..

    ..

    running freshwater community
    Running Water Freshwater Community Factors

    This tutorial noted some of the physical and chemical factors that provide the framework of a running water community in..