What is the role of a basophil in the immune system? How does it compare to the role of an eosinophil?
Context This question arises from a viewer's curiosity about the role of basophils in the immune system, sparked by watching the anime 'Cells at Work'. In the anime, the basophil character primarily focuses on rapping, while the eosinophil character actively combats parasites. This raises questions about the real-life functions of basophils and how they compare to eosinophils. Simple Answer Basophils are like tiny alarm bells in your blood. When they see something dangerous, like bacteria or a virus, they release chemicals called histamine and heparin. Histamine makes your blood vessels wider, which helps more white blood cells reach the infected area. Heparin helps prevent blood clots, keeping the blood flowing smoothly. Eosinophils are also white blood cells, but they're more like specialized fighters. They help your body fight parasites, like worms, and allergic reactions. While both basophils and eosinophils are involved in fighting off invaders, they use different ...