What are Basophils classified as?

Basophils are classified as white blood cells, specifically a type of granulocyte. They play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in allergic reactions and asthma. Basophils contain granules filled with histamine and other chemicals that are released during inflammatory responses. This action helps to regulate blood flow to tissues and protects against pathogens by attracting other white blood cells to areas of infection or injury. Understanding the function and classification of basophils is essential in the study of immunology, as it provides insight into how the body responds to various stimuli and maintains homeostasis in the immune system.