मराठी

Production of Lymphocytes

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Estimated time: 12 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

Lymphocytes are specialised white blood cells (WBCs) responsible for the body's adaptive (acquired) immune response, categorised into B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes, both essential for combating antigens.

Origin of Lymphocytes:

1. Embryonic Stage

Lymphocytes arise from mesenchymal cells located in the following:

  • Yolk sac
  • Liver
  • Spleen

2. Adult Stage

  • Lymphocytes originate from stem cells in the bone marrow
  • These stem cells migrate and differentiate into mature lymphocytes
CISCE: Class 12

Types of Lymphocytes

1. T-Lymphocytes (T-Cells)

  • Formed from bone marrow lymphocytes that enter the blood and travel to the thymus
  • Mature in the thymus and circulate to lymphoid tissues: lymph nodes, spleen (white pulp), tonsils, intestines
  • Responsible for cellular immunity
  • Constitute approximately 85% of circulating lymphocytes

2. B-Lymphocytes (B-Cells)

  • Do not pass through the thymus
  • Mature directly in other lymphoid tissues
  • Localise in the lymphatic nodules
  • Circulate between blood and lymphoid organs
  • Responsible for antibody production, i.e., humoral immunity
CISCE: Class 12

Circulation of Lymphocytes

A-B. Scheme to show the circulation of lymphocytes: A. T lymphocytes; B. B lymphocytes

CISCE: Class 12

Comparison Table: B-Cells vs T-Cells

Feature B-Lymphocytes T-Lymphocytes
Site of Maturation Other lymphoid tissues (not thymus) Thymus
Immunity Type Humoral immunity Cellular immunity
Function Antibody production Direct antigen attack
% of Circulating Lymphocytes ~15% ~85%
Localization Lymphatic nodules Lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, intestines
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Production of Lymphocytes

  • Origin of lymphocytes: In embryos, lymphocytes arise from mesenchymal cells of the yolk sac, liver and spleen, while in adults they originate from stem cells in the bone marrow.
  • T-lymphocytes: Some lymphocytes migrate from bone marrow to the thymus, where they mature into T-lymphocytes responsible for cellular immunity.
  • B-lymphocytes: Lymphocytes that do not pass through the thymus mature in other lymphoid tissues and are called B-lymphocytes, which produce antibodies.
  • Circulation and function: Both T- and B-lymphocytes circulate between blood and lymphoid organs, responding to antigens to provide cellular and humoral immunity, respectively.
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