Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

Which white blood cells produce antibodies to fight microbes?

1. T-Lymphocytes

2. Natural Killer Cells

3. Macrophages

4. B-Lymphocytes

The correct answer is: B-Lymphocytes

B-Lymphocytes are the specific type of white blood cells that are responsible for producing antibodies to combat microbes. When activated by the presence of an antigen, B-Lymphocytes can distinguish between different pathogens. They then differentiate into plasma cells, which are the cells that actually produce and secrete antibodies. These antibodies are proteins specifically designed to recognize and bind to parts of the foreign microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, marking them for destruction or neutralization. This process is a critical component of the adaptive immune response, as it allows for a targeted attack against pathogens and contributes to long-term immunity through memory B cells. Other blood cell types, like T-Lymphocytes, Natural Killer Cells, and Macrophages, play significant roles in the immune response but do so through mechanisms different from antibody production. T-Lymphocytes are primarily involved in directly killing infected cells or coordinating the immune response, while Natural Killer Cells are part of the innate immune system and help to eliminate virus-infected cells. Macrophages act as phagocytes that engulf and digest pathogens and play a role in presenting antigens to B-Lymphocytes and T-Lymphocytes, but they do not produce antibodies themselves.