What are lymphocytes?

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Multiple Choice

What are lymphocytes?

Lymphocytes are white blood cells central to the immune system, especially the adaptive arm. They include B cells, which craft antibodies, T cells, which coordinate and execute cellular immunity, and natural killer cells, which provide rapid responses to infected or abnormal cells. They originate in the bone marrow, with B cells maturing there and T cells maturing in the thymus. On a blood smear they are small to medium in size with a large, round nucleus and relatively little cytoplasm. Unlike monocytes, which are larger and phagocytic, lymphocytes focus on recognizing specific antigens and mounting targeted responses. They are distinct from red blood cells, which transport oxygen, and platelets, which are involved in clotting.

Lymphocytes are white blood cells central to the immune system, especially the adaptive arm. They include B cells, which craft antibodies, T cells, which coordinate and execute cellular immunity, and natural killer cells, which provide rapid responses to infected or abnormal cells. They originate in the bone marrow, with B cells maturing there and T cells maturing in the thymus. On a blood smear they are small to medium in size with a large, round nucleus and relatively little cytoplasm. Unlike monocytes, which are larger and phagocytic, lymphocytes focus on recognizing specific antigens and mounting targeted responses. They are distinct from red blood cells, which transport oxygen, and platelets, which are involved in clotting.

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