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==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>
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>
<p>Lymphocytes, along with associated supporting cells, form the immune system and recognise antigens, produce antibodies and destroy pathogens.</p>
<p>Lymphocytes, along with associated supporting cells, form the immune system and recognise antigens, produce antibodies and destroy pathogens.</p>