B cell

Question 1

What is the major function of B lymphocytes?

Answer 1

To produce antibodies

Question 2

B lymphocytes are part of the _____ (cell-mediated/humoral) immune response

Answer 2

Humoral

Question 3

Where do B lymphocytes originate? Where do they mature?

Answer 3

They originate and mature in the bone marrow

• Remember:*
• B = Bone marrow

Question 4

After maturation, where do B lymphocytes migrate to from the bone marrow?

Answer 4

Peripheral lymphoid tissue (lymph node follicles, white pulp of spleen, other uncapsulated lymphoid tissue)

Question 5

What kind of antibody response occurs when the body encounters an antigen it has previously seen?

Answer 5

Rapidly secreted, previously formed antibodies because B cells have antigenic memory

Question 6

What is the response of a B cell after encountering a recognized antigen?

Answer 6

B cells differentiate into plasma cells and secrete antibodies

Question 7

What major histocompatibility complex do B cells possess on the cell surface?

Answer 7

Major histocompatibility complex II, which allows B cells to act as antigen-presenting cells