Final answer:
Basophils are white blood cells that enhance the inflammatory response by releasing histamine and heparin; they are significant in defense against parasites and in allergic reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Basophils are a type of leukocyte, or white blood cell, which play a critical role in the body's immune response. They enhance the inflammatory response by releasing chemicals such as histamines and heparin. Histamines contribute to increasing the permeability of blood vessels, which allows other immune cells to access the site of infection or injury more easily. Heparin, on the other hand, prevents blood clotting, facilitating the flow of white blood cells to the affected areas. Basophils, being related to mast cells and eosinophils, are also involved in allergic reactions and hypersensitivity responses, where they release additional inflammatory mediators to further recruit leukocytes. Although they are the least common leukocytes in the bloodstream, their involvement in defense mechanisms, particularly against parasites and in allergic responses, is significant.