B lymphocytes, also known as B cells, are a type of white blood cell crucial for the adaptive immune response. They produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens and remember past infections for faster responses in the future.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
B cells mature in the bone marrow before entering circulation.
Each B cell has a unique receptor that binds to specific antigens.
Upon activation by an antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells and memory B cells.
Plasma cells are responsible for producing large quantities of antibodies.
Memory B cells provide long-term immunity by remembering previous encounters with pathogens.