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General Science • BiologyMedium

Which specialized white blood cell type releases histamine and heparin during inflammatory and allergic responses?

A. Neutrophils
B. Basophils✓ Correct Answer
C. Lymphocytes
D. Monocytes

💡 Solution & Explanation

Basophils are granulocytic white blood cells that store inflammatory mediators like histamine, serotonin, and heparin in cytoplasmic granules and release them during allergic reactions and parasitic infections. Neutrophils act primarily as phagocytes against bacterial infections, whereas lymphocytes mediate adaptive immunity through T and B cells. Heparin functions as an anticoagulant, while histamine promotes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability during inflammation.

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