Question

What are the main functions of lymphocytes?

Answer 1

Lymphocytes:

1. It is also called WBCs (White blood cells).
2. It is classified as natural killer cells, B cells, and T cells.

Functions of lymphocytes:

1. It plays a major role in adaptive immunity.
2. Adaptive immunity is a type of immunity that develops when a person's immune system reacts to a foreign substance or microorganism, such as after an infection or vaccination.
3. Their functions are specific to a specialized type of lymphocytes. These are:

(A) Functions of B cells:

1. It provides humoral immunity.
2. Humoral immunity refers to a component of adaptive immunity where B cells secrete antibodies, which circulate in the blood as a soluble protein.
3. B cells produce antibodies.
4. These antibodies are transported through the blood.
5. It provides immunity over a long distance.

(B) Functions of T cells:

1. It provides cell-mediated immunity.
2. Cell-mediated immunity refers to the other component of adaptive immunity, mediated by activated, antigen-specific T cells.
3. T cells migrate to the target tissues.
4. They have local action.

(C) Functions of Natural killer cells:

1. It is the effector cells of the innate immune system.
2. Innate immunity is the first response of the body's immune system to a harmful foreign substance.
3. They have limited spread and action.

Hence lymphocytes play a major role in immune responses by our body.