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Basophils are a specific type of white blood cell. These cells are readily stained with basic dyes (this is where the name comes from. Note the dark grains inside the cellular fluid (cytoplasm) of this basophil. Basophils make up only a small portion of the number of white blood cells but are important parts of the body's immune response. They release histamine and other chemicals that act on the blood vessels when the immune response is triggered.
Update Date:
08/10/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Red blood cells, sickle cell |
Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells |
Red blood cells, tear-drop shape |
Red blood cells, normal |
Red blood cells, elliptocytosis |
Red blood cells, spherocytosis |
Red blood cells, multiple sickle cells |
Basophil (close-up) |
Malaria, microscopic view of cellular parasites |
Malaria, photomicrograph of cellular parasites |
Red blood cells, sickle cells |
Red blood cells, sickle and pappenheimer |
Red blood cells, target cells |
Formed elements of blood |
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