basophil

views updated May 29 2018

basophil A type of white blood cell (leucocyte) that has a lobed nucleus surrounded by granular cytoplasm (see granulocyte). Basophils are produced continually by stem cells in the red bone marrow and move about in an amoeboid fashion. Like mast cells, they produce histamine and heparin as part of the body's defences at the site of an infection or injury (see inflammation).

basophil

views updated May 18 2018

basophil (bay-sŏ-fil)
1. n. a variety of white blood cell (see polymorph) distinguished by the presence in its cytoplasm of coarse granules that stain purple-black with Romanowsky stains. Basophils are capable of ingesting foreign particles and contain histamine and heparin.

2. adj. (basophilic) describing any cell that stains well with basic dyes.

basophilia

views updated May 18 2018

basophilia (bay-sŏ-fil-iă) n.
1. a property of a microscopic structure whereby it shows an affinity for basic dyes.

2. an increase in the number of basophils in the blood.

basophilic

views updated May 18 2018

basophilic Applied to a cell, its components, or products that can be stained by a basic dye.

basophilic

views updated May 18 2018

basophilic Applied to a cell, its components, or products that can be stained by a basic dye.

basophilic

views updated May 29 2018

basophilic Applied to a cell, its components, or products that can be stained by a basic dye.

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