Question

Lymphocytes and plasma

Answer 1

Lymphocytes and plasma:

Plasma cells are nothing but fully functional B lymphocytes. These are mainly involved in the production of antibodies.

Lymphoid cells are responsible for the production of immunity. These cells are part of lymphoid tissue and consist of following types of cells:

(1) Lymphocytes: These are white blood cells also known as leukocytes. These cells provide immune response against harmful foreign substances (antigens).

(2) T-cells (T-lymphocytes): These cells originate from bone marrow and mature in the thymus gland. T-cells attack those body cells invaded by pathogens or cancerous cells to protect the body.

T-cells are of two types: (i) Helper T-cells help to coordinate the immune system of the body.

(ii) Cytotoxic T-cells breakdown pathogens that attack cells.

(3) B-cells (B-lymphocytes): These cells originate and mature in the bone marrow. These cells encounter harmful pathogens and release plasma cells and memory cells.

(i) Plasma cells produce antibodies that attack and inactivate harmful pathogens.

(ii) Memory cells produce additional antigens to provide more protection to the body.

(4) Macrophages: These are enlarged monocytes (white blood cells). These cells engulf microbes and harmful particles.

(5) Reticular cells: These cells form networks of reticular fibers made from collagen and glycoprotein’s. Lymphocytes and other cells reside within those networks.