Difference between revisions of "Lymphocytes - Introduction"

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==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
Lymphocytes account for around a third of all circulating [[Leukocytes|leukocytes]] and are formed in a variety of lymphoid tissues. They are functionally divided into [[#T cells|T cells]], [[#B cells|B cells]] and [[#Natural Killer (NK) Cells|NK (Natural Killer) cells]]. Lymphocytes vary in size (6-30µm) and are classified as small, medium or large. Large cells are either activated lymphocytes or NK cells. The vast majority of circulating lymphocytes are small and of a similar size to erythrocytes. Histologically they are round with a densely staining nucleus and a thin, often indistinct, rim of cytoplasm.  While NK cells can be distinguished by their large granules and kidney shaped nucleus, B and T cells appear the same histologically.</p>
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Lymphocytes account for around a third of all circulating [[Leukocytes|leukocytes]] and are formed in a variety of lymphoid tissues. They are functionally divided into T cells, B cells and NK Natural Killer (NK) cells. Lymphocytes vary in size (6-30µm) and are classified as small, medium or large. Large cells are either activated lymphocytes or NK cells. The vast majority of circulating lymphocytes are small and of a similar size to erythrocytes. Histologically they are round with a large densely staining nucleus and a thin, often indistinct, rim of cytoplasm.  While NK cells can be distinguished by their large granules and kidney shaped nucleus, B and T cells appear the same histologically.
<p>Lymphocytes, along with associated supporting cells, form the immune system and recognise antigens, produce antibodies and destroy pathogens.</p>
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<p>Lymphocytes, along with the associated supporting cells, form the immune system and recognise antigens, produce antibodies and destroy pathogens.</p>
  
 
==Development==
 
==Development==

Revision as of 15:44, 24 September 2010

Introduction

Lymphocytes account for around a third of all circulating leukocytes and are formed in a variety of lymphoid tissues. They are functionally divided into T cells, B cells and NK Natural Killer (NK) cells. Lymphocytes vary in size (6-30µm) and are classified as small, medium or large. Large cells are either activated lymphocytes or NK cells. The vast majority of circulating lymphocytes are small and of a similar size to erythrocytes. Histologically they are round with a large densely staining nucleus and a thin, often indistinct, rim of cytoplasm. While NK cells can be distinguished by their large granules and kidney shaped nucleus, B and T cells appear the same histologically.

Lymphocytes, along with the associated supporting cells, form the immune system and recognise antigens, produce antibodies and destroy pathogens.

Development

Both T and B lymphocytes develop from a common stem cell (CFU-L's) and for a general overview of this process see here.

Follow these links for a more detailed explanation on T cell development and B cell development.