T LYMPHOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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T lymphocytes, also known as T cells, are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune response of the body. They are a part of the adaptive immune system, which means they have the ability to recognize and respond to specific antigens.
T lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow, but they mature in the thymus gland. They are characterized by the presence of a unique T cell receptor (TCR) on their surface, which enables them to recognize foreign antigens when presented by other cells in the body.
There are several subtypes of T lymphocytes, including helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and regulatory T cells. Helper T cells play a key role in coordinating the immune response by releasing chemical messengers called cytokines, which activate other immune cells. Cytotoxic T cells, on the other hand, are responsible for directly destroying infected cells or cancerous cells. Regulatory T cells help to maintain immune homeostasis by suppressing excessive immune responses.
T lymphocytes are essential for defense against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. They also play a critical role in immune surveillance, helping to identify and eliminate abnormal cells, including cancer cells. Dysfunction or deficiency of T lymphocytes can lead to various immune disorders, including autoimmune diseases and increased susceptibility to infections.
In summary, T lymphocytes are a specialized type of white blood cell that are crucial for adaptive immunity and play a critical role in protecting the body against infections and abnormal cells.
Common Misspellings for T LYMPHOCYTE
- y lymphocyte
- 6 lymphocyte
- 5 lymphocyte
- t kymphocyte
- t pymphocyte
- t oymphocyte
- t ltmphocyte
- t lgmphocyte
- t lhmphocyte
- t lumphocyte
- t l7mphocyte
- t l6mphocyte
- t lynphocyte
- t lykphocyte
- t lyjphocyte
- t lymohocyte
- t lymlhocyte
- t lym-hocyte
- t lym0hocyte
Etymology of T LYMPHOCYTE
The word "lymphocyte" comes from the combination of the Latin word "lympha" (meaning "clear water") and the Greek word "kutos" (meaning "cell"). This term was coined by Russian biologist Élie Metchnikoff in the late 19th century to describe a type of white blood cell found in the lymphatic system.
The "T" in "T lymphocyte" refers to the thymus, an organ in the immune system where these cells mature. The thymus was named after the Greek word "thymos" (meaning "life spirit" or "soul"), as it was believed to play a vital role in the development of the immune system.
Therefore, "T lymphocyte" essentially means a lymphocyte that matures in the thymus, distinguishing it from another type of lymphocyte called a "B lymphocyte" that matures in the bone marrow.
