Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which type of white blood cell is known for its involvement in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses?

1. Eosinophils

2. Basophils

3. Neutrophils

4. Lymphocytes

The correct answer is: Basophils

The type of white blood cell that is most commonly associated with allergic reactions and inflammatory responses is basophils. These cells play a pivotal role in the immune system by releasing substances like histamine and heparin during allergic reactions, which contribute to the inflammatory response. Basophils are relatively rare among the white blood cells but are crucial in mediating hypersensitivity reactions such as asthma, hay fever, and other allergic responses. In addition to basophils, eosinophils also participate in allergic reactions, particularly in responding to parasitic infections and asthma; however, the specific involvement of basophils in releasing histamine is a hallmark of allergic responses. Each of the other types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, serves different functions in immune response but is not primarily tied to allergies in the same way. Neutrophils are generally the first responders to sites of inflammation, and lymphocytes are primarily involved in the adaptive immune response, targeting specific pathogens.