Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are crucial components of the immune system primarily produced by plasma cells, which are derived from B lymphocytes. These proteins play a significant role in humoral immunity, which involves the secretion of antibodies into the bloodstream to neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, thereby marking them for elimination by other immune cells.

The statement regarding the production of antibodies in the pituitary gland is not accurate. Antibodies are specifically produced in the bone marrow where B cells mature and then migrate to lymphoid tissues. Upon activation by an antigen, these B cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies. The pituitary gland is primarily involved in hormone production and regulation within the endocrine system, and does not participate in the synthesis of antibodies.

Understanding the production sites and functions of antibodies is essential for grasping how the immune response operates, highlighting the importance of plasma cells and humoral immunity in protecting the body from infections.