Baffled by basophils, ignorant about IgE? Here’s what it all means.

 
• Allergen: an allergy-causing substance;  
• Antibody: a B-cell produced protein molecule made in response to, and reactive with, a specific antigen;  
• Antigen: a substance capable of causing the production of antibodies and then reacting specifically with these antibodies;  
• B-cell (B-lymphocyte): a type of white blood cell capable of producing antibodies;  
• Basophil: a white blood cell containing histamine and other allergy mediators;  
• Histamine: a chemical present mainly in mast cells that, when released, causes many of the symptoms of allergy;  
• IgE: the type of antibody most instrumental in allergic reactions;  
• Lymph nodes: small organs within the lymph system located at the intersections of lymph channels;  
• Lymphocyte: a type of white blood cell instrumental in antibody production;  
• Mast cell: a type of cell containing histamine and other allergy mediators instrumental in the allergic response.