B cells
B cells
B cells, also known as B lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell that plays a significant role in the immune system by producing antibodies. The term "B cell" derives from the organ where they were first discovered and where they mature in birds, the bursa of Fabricius. In humans, B cells mature in the bone marrow.
Pronunciation
B cells: /biː sɛlz/
Etymology
The term "B cell" comes from the name of the place where these cells were first identified, the bursa of Fabricius in birds. In humans and other mammals, B cells mature in the bone marrow, which coincidentally also starts with a "B".
Function
B cells are responsible for the production of antibodies in response to pathogens. They are a crucial component of the adaptive immune system, which allows the body to defend itself against specific invading microorganisms. When a B cell encounters its matching antigen, it proliferates and differentiates into plasma cells that produce antibodies specific to that antigen.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by B cells that binds to a specific antigen.
- Antigen: A substance that triggers an immune response, especially the production of antibodies.
- Plasma cell: A type of white blood cell that produces and secretes antibodies. It is the fully differentiated state of a B cell.
- White blood cell: A type of cell in the body's immune system that defends the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials.
- Immune system: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders.
- Bone marrow: The spongy tissue inside some bones, such as the hip and thigh bones, that contains immature cells, called stem cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on B cells
- Wikipedia's article - B cells
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