Final answer:
Basophils secrete histamine to promote inflammation and heparin to prevent blood clotting, both of which are important in the immune response and in protecting the body against infections and allergic reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the substances secreted by basophils, which are a type of white blood cells, is to aid the body's immune response. Specifically:
- Histamine: This chemical is released to promote inflammation by dilating blood vessels and increasing their permeability, which allows for an increased flow of immune cells to the affected areas.
- Heparin: It is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots by inhibiting prothrombin. This function is vital as it helps maintain blood flow to areas of injury or infection and facilitates the movement of leukocytes (white blood cells) to these areas.
Histamine and heparin play critical roles in the body's defense mechanisms, particularly in reactions to allergies and infections.