Question

With reference to the immune system, there are two types of lymphocytes, T-cells and B-cells. Why are these so named?

Answer 1

• T-cells are named after the thymus, the organ where these lymphocytes migrate to and differentiate under its influence. After maturing in the thymus, they enter circulation and perform functions primarily related to cellular immunity. Hence, they are called T-lymphocytes or T-cells.
• B-cells are named after the bursa of Fabricius, a lymphoid organ found in birds where these cells were originally discovered to mature. In mammals, B-cells mature in the bone marrow instead. They do not go to the thymus but directly go to other lymphoid tissues. B-cells are responsible for humoral immunity through antibody production; hence, they are called B-lymphocytes or B-cells.