Question

Which of the following white blood cells increases during allergy?
A. Acidophil
B. Basophil
C. Lymphocyte
D. Neutrophil

Answer 1

Hint: White blood cells (WBC) are the cells of the immune system that protect the body from foreign particles and produce antibodies in response to an infection. WBCs are produced by bone marrow, lymph glands and lymph nodes. The WBCs are of different types namely neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, natural killer cells etc. These cells are directly released into the bloodstream and live for several days to many years.

Complete answer:
Option A Acidophil: Acidophil is the term given to organisms that have high affinity to acid and take it up readily. It does not have any relation to allergic reactions.
Option A is incorrect.
Option B Basophil: Basophils accounts for less than \[0.4\% \;\] of the total immune system cells. Their main function is to release histamine to induce the inflammatory response of the body. This response is noticed in allergic reactions.
Option B is correct.
Option C Lymphocyte: Lymphocytes account for nearly \[30\% \;\] of the total white blood cell population. They are found more in the lymphatic system than in blood. Lymphocytes do not play any role in allergic reactions.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D Neutrophil: They represent about 67% of the white blood cells present in the human body.They protect the body against fungal and bacterial infections. They do not play any role in allergic reactions.
Option D is incorrect.

Hence option B. Basophil is the correct answer.

Note:
The basophils are found to be a rare type of white blood cells in the body. They are present less than \[0.4\% \;\] of the total immune system cells. The size of the basophil is between $12$ to $15$ micrometres. The life span of basophil is short, varying between a few hours to several days after which it gets destroyed in the spleen tissue. Basophils are part of the innate immune system and they get activated when infectious organisms enter into the body.