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Basophil (close-up)

1.	Basophil (cl...

2.	Formed eleme...

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:

August 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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Definition Alternative Names How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations References

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Basophil (close-up)