What Are Lymphocytes?
Lymphocytes – a type of infection-fighting white blood cell – are vital to an effective immune system. Lymphocytes “patrol” the body for infectious microorganisms. How are lymphocytes formed? All cells, including immune cells such as lymphocytes, are produced in the bone marrow (the soft, fatty tissue found in bone cavities). Certain cells will become part of the group of lymphocytes, while others will become part of another type of immune cells known as phagocytes. Once the lymphocytes are initially formed, some will continue to mature in the bone marrow and become “B” cells. Other lymphocytes will finish their maturation in the thymus and become “T” cells. B and T cells are the two major groups of lymphocytes which recognize and attack infectious microorganisms. Once mature, some lymphocytes will be housed in the lymphoid organs, while others will travel continuously around the body through the lymphatic vessels and bloodstream. How do lymphocytes fight infection? Although each type
Lymphocytes are a type of infection-fighting white blood cell which are vital to an effective immune system. How are lymphocytes formed? The precursors of all blood cells, including immune cells such as lymphocytes, are produced in the bone marrow. Certain cells will become part of the group of lymphocytes, while others will become part of another type of immune cells known as phagocytes. Once the lymphocytes are initially formed, some will continue to mature in the bone marrow and become “B” cells. Other lymphocytes will finish their maturation in the thymus and become “T” cells. B and T cells are the two major groups of lymphocytes which recognize and attack infectious microorganisms. Once mature, some lymphocytes will be housed in the lymphoid organs, while others will travel continuously around the body through the lymphatic vessels and bloodstream. How do lymphocytes fight infection? Although each type of lymphocyte fights infection differently, the goal of protecting the body fro
