lymphocyte

[ lim-fuh-sahyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Anatomy.

a type of white blood cell having a large, spherical nucleus surrounded by a thin layer of nongranular cytoplasm.

lymphocyte

/ ˌlɪmfəʊˈsɪtɪk; ˈlɪmfəʊˌsaɪt /

a type of white blood cell formed in lymphoid tissue See also B-lymphocyte T-lymphocyte

lymphocyte

/ lĭm′fə-sīt′ /

Any of various white blood cells, including B cells and T cells, that function in the body's immune system by recognizing and deactivating specific foreign substances called antigens. B cells act by stimulating the production of antibodies. T cells contain receptors on their cell surfaces that are capable of recognizing and binding to specific antigens. Lymphocytes are found in the lymph nodes and spleen and circulate continuously in the blood and lymph.

First recorded in 1885–90; lympho- + -cyte

When large forms of the lymphocyte are present, the distinction is often difficult or impossible.

A marked lymphocyte leukocytosis occurs in pertussis, and is of value in diagnosis.

Slight lymphocyte leukocytosis occurs in many other pathologic conditions, but is of little significance.

The macrocyte is believed by many to represent a further stage in the development of the lymphocyte.

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