b lymphocyte

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Word: B Lymphocyte

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A B lymphocyte, often just called a B cell, is a type of white blood cell that is important for your immune system. It comes from the bone marrow and helps protect your body from infections. B lymphocytes can recognize harmful substances called antigens (like bacteria or viruses) in the body. When they find these antigens, they can change into plasma cells, which produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that help to neutralize or destroy these harmful substances.

Usage Instructions:

When talking about the immune system or how our body fights off infections, you can use the term "B lymphocyte" or "B cell." It’s often used in biology or medicine.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, especially in immunology or medical contexts, you might see "B lymphocytes" referred to in terms of their role in specific immune responses, such as in vaccination or autoimmune diseases.

Word Variants:

• B Cell: A common shorthand for B lymphocyte.
• Plasma Cell: The mature form of a B lymphocyte that produces antibodies.

Different Meanings:

While "B lymphocyte" specifically refers to a type of immune cell, the term "lymphocyte" can refer to other types of white blood cells as well, such as T lymphocytes, which have different functions in the immune system.

Synonyms:

• B cell (more common in everyday usage)
• Immunoglobulin-producing cell (more technical)

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "B lymphocyte," but you might come across phrases like:

Summary:

In summary, a B lymphocyte is a crucial part of the immune system, helping to defend the body against pathogens by producing antibodies.

Academic

Noun

1. a lymphocyte derived from bone marrow that provides humoral immunity; it recognizes free antigen molecules in solution and matures into plasma cells that secrete immunoglobulin (antibodies) that inactivate the antigens

Synonyms

• B cell
• B lymphocyte