Basophils: Normal Range, Function, Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

What are Basophils?

Basophils are a part of the innate immune system, which suggests they attack organisms they understand as foreign to the body. Basophils are called granulocytes because they contain tiny granules that store and unleash many enzymes that facilitate fight infection. Determining the basophil count within the blood helps with the diagnosing of many blood-related conditions, and also the presence of inflammation. A diagnostic assay called the basophil activation test (BAT) is extremely correct in distinctive food, drug, or poisonous substance allergies.

Structure of Basophils

Basophils are the smallest granulocytes. Most of the basophils cells are round to angular.

• The nucleus contains condensed nuclear chromatin, but nucleolus is absent.

• The cytoplasm contains organelles like mitochondria, vesicles and granules.

• Basophils have a higher glycogen content in the cytoplasm

• These lack the plasmalemmal ridges and folds that are present in mast cells.

Functions of Basophils

Though basophils represent a minuscule share of white cells, they play a very important role within the immune responses to infectious bacteria and parasites. The main functions of basophils:

• The basophil function recognises foreign organisms that invade the body.

• Directly destroy and engulf foreign organisms in a very method called phagocytosis.

• Release a protein called histamine that dilates the blood vessels round the injection site, which improves blood flow and promotes healing Provides alternative immune cells higher access to the infection site.

• Basophils release histamine in response to allergens, and bind with an protein called immunoglobulin e (IgE) to shield the body against allergens. Histamine is the reason behind allergies like fretful skin, hives, runny nose, and watering eyes.

• Release an enzyme called polysaccharide that prevents blood clotting at the injection site.

Role of Basophils in Immunity

Basophils are formed from the granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells of the bone marrow, which are then released into the peripheral blood as fully differentiated cells. The level of basophils in the blood remains maintained under normal conditions, but the number increases as a result of parasitic infections or allergies.

They release histamine, heparin, and other chemicals from their granules that help trigger inflammation and increase blood flow to the site of infection. Basophils also take part in allergic reactions by attracting other immune cells like eosinophils and neutrophils.

Normal Basophil Range

The normal range of absolute basophil count is zero to three hundred microlitres. Basophils unremarkably represent simply zero .5% to a quarter of the whole white blood cell (WBC) count. The basophil blood count comes by taking the whole white cells count and scheming the proportion of basophils in them.

High Basophil Count (Basophilia)

Abnormal basophil levels will be detected with an entire basophil blood count (CBC) test, that evaluates the composition of all blood cells. Symptoms of abnormal basophil levels rely on the underlying conditions. Abnormal basophil levels are also corrected by treating the underlying conditions.

A basophil blood count is taken into account high (basophilia) if absolutely the basophil count is higher than two hundred microlitres or the percentage is larger than a pair of. absolutely the count range thought of as normal may vary to some extent in laboratories in several places, supporting the native population.

Low Basophil Count (Basopenia)

Low basophil count is called as basopenia, which might occur from conditions such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and acute inflammation and infection. As a result, the basophils are not visible in blood tests once they release the enzymes to fight the infection. The hypersensitivity reaction allergic reaction could be a grievous condition which will cause severe symptoms that include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Low blood pressure

• Lightheadedness

• Vomiting

• Swelling within the throat, tongue or face

• Rapid heart rate

• Chest tightness

Basophils vs Eosinophils

The difference between basophils and eosinophils is:

Basophils vs Mast Cells

The difference between basophils and mast cells is:

Basophils NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Structure and function of Basophils

• Basophils vs Eosinophils

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Which one of the following is correct ?

1. Lymph = Plasma + RBC + WBC

2. Blood = Plasma + RBC + WBC + Platelets

3. Plasma = Blood - Lymphocytes

4. Serum = Blood + Fibrinogen

Correct answer: 2) Blood = Plasma + RBC + WBC + Platelets

Explanation:

Components of blood -

Blood is a special connective tissue consisting of a fluid matrix, plasma, and formed elements. Erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets are collectively called formed elements and they constitute nearly 45 percent of the blood.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Blood = Plasma + RBC + WBC + Platelets.

Q2. How much percentage of blood is composed of solids

1. 10-12%

2. 70-80%

3. 20-30%

4. 90-92%

Correct answer: 1) 10-12%

Explanation:

Blood plasma is mostly made up of 90–92% water which helps in moving different substances around the body. The other 8–10% is made up of dissolved solids, including proteins like albumins and fibrinogen. These proteins play an important role in keeping fighting off infections and helping with blood clotting. The plasma also contains electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride along with waste products such as urea and creatinine for excretion. Some hormones and gases are also present in trace amounts along with some enzymes that help in regulating different physiological processes.

Hence, the correct option is 1) 10-12 %

Q3. Find the correct descending order of the percentage proportion of leucocytes in human blood.

1. Neutrophils→Basophils→Lymphocytes→Acidophils→Monocytes

2. Monocytes→Neutrophils→Lymphocytes→Acidophils→Basophils

3. Neutrophils→Lymphocytes→Monocytes→Acidophils→Basophils

4. Lymphocytes→Neutrophils→Monocytes→Acidophils→Basophils

Correct answer: 3) Neutrophils→Lymphocytes→Monocytes→Acidophils→Basophils

Explanation:

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that constitutes about 2-3% of the total white blood cell count. They play an important role in the immune system, such as resisting infections, especially by parasites. In addition, eosinophils have been associated with allergic reactions because of their responses to allergens and their contribution to inflammatory processes in the body.

Hence the correct answer is Option 3) Neutrophils→Lymphocytes→Monocytes→Acidophils→Basophils.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Composition of Blood

• Functions of Blood

• Difference Between Arteries and Veins