Problem 160 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Assertion: Basophils are involved in inflammatory reaction. Reason: Basophils use to secrete histamine,serotonin, heparin, etc.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Yes, the assertion 'Basophils are involved in inflammatory reaction' is correct, and the reason 'Basophils secrete histamine, serotonin, and heparin etc' accurately explains this assertion.

Step 1: Understanding Basophils

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in your body's immune response. When they encounter substances that your immune system has marked as threats, they react by releasing certain substances.

Step 2: Role in Inflammatory Reactions

Inflammatory reactions are a part of your body's defense mechanism against harmful threats such as injuries, infections or allergens. Basophils contribute to these reactions by secreting substances like histamine and serotonin, which increase blood flow to the affected area, and heparin, which prevents blood clotting.

Step 3: Connect The Assertion and Reason

The secretion of these substances by basophils ties the assertion and the reason together. Histamine, serotonin, and heparin all play a role in the inflammatory response. Therefore, it's the secretion of these substances which makes basophils involved in inflammatory reactions. This therefore confirms that the reason provided correctly explains the assertion.

Key Concepts

Immune Response

The immune response is the body's defense system activated when it detects foreign substances known as antigens. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the main players in the immune response. Among the various types of white blood cells, basophils are less numerous but have a significant impact during immune reactions. They are one of the first responders to an invasion by pathogens or to the presence of allergens. Upon activation, basophils release several substances important to the immune defense, including histamine, serotonin, and heparin.

In the context of this exercise, understanding basophils' involvement in the immune response is crucial. These cells help orchestrate the initial inflammatory reaction and attract other immune cells to the site of infection or injury. By releasing their chemicals, they amplify the body's response to ensure a quick and effective containment of the threat. This conceptual knowledge is foundational for comprehending more complex immunological mechanisms.

Histamine Secretion

Key Role of Histamine

Histamine is a compound that's stored in the granules of basophils and mast cells. When these cells degranulate, histamine is released into the surrounding tissue. This secretion is a pivotal event in many allergic reactions and in the process of inflammation. Histamine causes the dilation and increased permeability of the blood vessels, facilitating the migration of other white blood cells to the affected area.

Histamine's role doesn't stop there; it also stimulates nerve endings, causing symptoms like itching or pain, which serve as an alert mechanism. The release of histamine by basophils is a prime example of their function in immune responses and inflammatory reactions, making it a key concept students need to grasp from the exercise.

Inflammatory Reactions

Inflammatory reactions are the body's immediate response to injury or infection. When basophils secrete substances like histamine, these chemicals increase blood flow to the area and make blood vessels more permeable. This allows other immune cells to arrive more rapidly and in greater numbers. Other chemicals, like serotonin and heparin, help to regulate blood flow and prevent blood clots that could impede the healing process.

Understanding the sequence of an inflammatory reaction is essential. It begins with an initial trigger, followed by the release of chemical mediators from cells like basophils. This step-by-step series of events eventually leads to the redness, heat, swelling, and pain characteristic of inflammation. In addition to the defensive aspect, inflammation promotes healing of the affected tissues through various immune processes.

White Blood Cells

Diverse Defenders

White blood cells are the cornerstone of the immune system. They come in various types, each with a unique role. Basophils are a type of granulocyte, one of the five types of white blood cells, and they are crucial for mounting an effective inflammatory response. Although they make up less than 1% of white blood cells, their role is significant, especially in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

Students should note that white blood cells work in a coordinated manner. Neutrophils and macrophages engulf pathogens, lymphocytes recognize and remember foreign substances, and eosinophils combat multicellular parasites. Each type of white blood cell is interdependent, with basophils being part of this intricate defense system. Recognizing this intricate interplay helps students appreciate the collaborative nature of the body's defense system specified in the textbook exercise.