Which type of white blood cell is responsible for creating heparin and histamines?

Basophils are a specific type of white blood cell, or leukocyte, that play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in allergic reactions and inflammation. These cells are responsible for the synthesis and release of heparin, which is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clotting, and histamines, which are chemicals that promote inflammation and contribute to the symptoms of allergies.

When basophils are activated during an immune response, they release these substances into the surrounding tissues. Histamine, for example, increases blood flow and the permeability of blood vessels, allowing other immune cells to reach sites of infection or injury more efficiently. Heparin also helps maintain blood flow to affected areas, facilitating the overall immune response.

The other types of white blood cells each have unique functions that do not include the production of heparin and histamines, which helps clarify why basophils are the correct answer in this scenario. Neutrophils are primarily involved in phagocytosis, lymphocytes are key players in adaptive immunity, and eosinophils typically deal with parasitic infections and allergic reactions but do not produce heparin or histamines. Hence, basophils are distinctly known for their role in releasing these important compounds.