B Lymphocyte (Noun)
Meaning
A lymphocyte derived from bone marrow that provides humoral immunity; it recognizes free antigen molecules in solution and matures into plasma cells that secrete immunoglobulin (antibodies) that inactivate the antigens.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- B lymphocytes play a crucial role in the body's immune system by producing antibodies to combat pathogens.
- Upon recognizing antigens, activated B lymphocytes undergo clonal expansion, rapidly increasing their numbers to fight the infection.
- The development and maturation of B lymphocytes into plasma cells is carefully regulated to prevent unnecessary or overactive immune responses.
- Within the spleen, B lymphocytes form germinal centers where they undergo selection, mutation, and proliferation to optimize antibody production.
- Antibodies produced by mature B lymphocytes bind to specific antigens, neutralizing or removing them from the body.