What does mast cell degranulation involve?

Prepare for the Valencia College Paramedic Program Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Ace your exam and boost your career prospects!

Mast cell degranulation specifically refers to the process in which mast cells release various mediators, primarily histamines, into the extracellular environment. This release is a key component of the body's immune response, particularly during allergic reactions and inflammatory responses. Histamines play a significant role in causing vasodilation, increasing permeability of blood vessels, and attracting other immune cells to the site of injury or invasion.

The other options do not accurately describe mast cell degranulation. For instance, the formation of new mast cells relates to hematopoiesis or the development of blood cells, not the release of existing mediators. Inflammatory response suppression contradicts the role of mast cells, as their degranulation typically promotes inflammation rather than suppressing it. Stimulation of white blood cell production is a function associated with different cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, rather than the degranulation of mast cells. Hence, the correct answer emphasizes the critical action of histamines in the immune response facilitated by mast cell degranulation.

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