B LYMPHOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A B lymphocyte, also known as B cell, is a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. B lymphocytes are one of the two major types of lymphocytes, the other being T lymphocytes, and are derived from stem cells in the bone marrow.
As part of the immune system, B lymphocytes serve as the primary mediators of humoral immunity, which involves the production of antibodies to neutralize pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When an antigen, a substance that triggers an immune response, enters the body, B lymphocytes recognize and bind to it using specific receptors on their surface called immunoglobulins or antibodies.
Upon antigen recognition, B lymphocytes undergo a process known as clonal selection and differentiation. They rapidly divide and mature into plasma cells, which are responsible for producing and secreting large amounts of antibodies into the bloodstream. These antibodies can directly neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction by other immune cells, such as phagocytes.
Apart from producing antibodies, B lymphocytes also have another crucial function: serving as antigen-presenting cells. They can capture antigens, process them, and then present them to other immune cells, specifically T lymphocytes, to initiate a more coordinated immune response.
In summary, B lymphocytes are a vital component of the immune system with a dual role: antibody production and antigen presentation. Their ability to recognize and neutralize pathogens plays a key role in defending the body against infections and maintaining overall immune health.
Common Misspellings for B LYMPHOCYTE
- v lymphocyte
- n lymphocyte
- h lymphocyte
- g lymphocyte
- b kymphocyte
- b pymphocyte
- b oymphocyte
- b ltmphocyte
- b lgmphocyte
- b lhmphocyte
- b lumphocyte
- b l7mphocyte
- b l6mphocyte
- b lynphocyte
- b lykphocyte
- b lyjphocyte
- b lymohocyte
- b lymlhocyte
- b lym-hocyte
Etymology of B LYMPHOCYTE
The term "B lymphocyte" is a compound word comprising the letter "B" and the word "lymphocyte".
The letter "B" originates from the term "bursa of Fabricius", which is an organ found in the cloaca of birds. Early studies on the immune system of chickens led to the discovery of this organ's essential role in the development of antibody-producing cells. These cells, first noticed in the bursa of Fabricius, were termed "B cells".
The term "lymphocyte" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "lympho" (meaning "clear fluid") and "cyte" (meaning "cell"). The clear fluid refers to lymph, the fluid found in lymphatic vessels that plays a role in the immune response. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell commonly found in lymph and are crucial components of the immune system.
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