B cell


noun Biology.

Also called B lymphocyte. a type of lymphocyte, developed in bone marrow, that circulates in the blood and lymph and, upon encountering a particular foreign antigen, differentiates into a clone of plasma cells that secrete a specific antibody and a clone of memory cells that make the antibody on subsequent encounters.
Also called beta cell. a cell in the islet of Langerhans that produces and secretes insulin.

Origin of B cell

1970–75; (def 1) perhaps B(one-derived); (def 2) B(ursa of Langerhans-derived)

Medical definitions for b cell

B cell

n.

beta cell
A type of lymphocyte that, when stimulated by a particular antigen, differentiates into plasma cells that synthesize the antibodies that circulate in the blood and react with the specific antigens. B lymphocyte

Scientific definitions for b cell

B cell

Any of the lymphocytes that develop into plasma cells in the presence of a specific antigen. The plasma cells produce antibodies that attack or neutralize the antigen in what is called the humoral immune response. B cells mature in the bone marrow before being released into the blood. Also called B lymphocyte Compare T cell.