Chapter 37, Problem 16A

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

A type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow that includes B and T cells.

Introduction:

White blood cells are also known as leucocytes. These cells are produced in the bone marrow, and in the lymph nodes, B and T cells mature and acquire their antigen-specific receptors. 

Explanation of Solution

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells produced in the bone marrow. They are smaller in size containing scant cytoplasm with a large and rounded nucleus. They are non-motile and non-phagocytic. They produce antibodies to destroy microbes and the endotoxins produced by them, reject grafts, and kill tumor cells. They help in the healing of injuries. The two major groups' lymphocytes are B and T lymphocytes. 

The thymus is the site of T lymphocyte maturation, and bone marrow is the site of B lymphocyte maturation. They are responsible for cellular and humoral immunity, respectively.

Conclusion

The lymphocytes are the white blood cells produced in the bone marrow. These cells exist in two groups in circulation, B lymphocytes, and T lymphocytes.