A mast cell (also known as mastocyte and labrocyte) is a resident cell of several types of tissues and contains many granules rich in histamine and heparin. Although best known for their role in allergy and anaphylaxis, mast cells play an important protective role as well, being intimately involved in wound healing and defense against pathogens.
The mast cell is very similar in both appearance and function to the basophil, a type of white blood cell. However, they are not the same, as they both arise from different cell lines.
Read more about Mast Cell: Origin and Classification, Physiology, Histological Staining
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