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Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb, Hoehn 11th EditionCh. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body DefensesProblem 6
Chapter 21, Problem 6

Lymphocytes that develop immunocompetence in the bone marrow are:
a. T lymphocytes
b. B lymphocytes
c. NK cells
d. B and T lymphocytes

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'immunocompetence,' which refers to the ability of lymphocytes to recognize specific antigens and mount an immune response.
Recall that lymphocytes develop immunocompetence in different primary lymphoid organs: T lymphocytes mature in the thymus, while B lymphocytes mature in the bone marrow.
Identify that the question asks specifically about lymphocytes that develop immunocompetence in the bone marrow, so focus on the maturation site of each lymphocyte type.
Recognize that B lymphocytes develop immunocompetence in the bone marrow, whereas T lymphocytes develop it in the thymus, and NK cells do not undergo this specific maturation process in the bone marrow.
Conclude that the correct answer corresponds to the lymphocyte type that matures in the bone marrow, which is B lymphocytes.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Immunocompetence

Immunocompetence refers to the ability of lymphocytes to recognize specific antigens and mount an immune response. It is acquired during lymphocyte development in primary lymphoid organs, enabling these cells to distinguish self from non-self molecules.
Recommended video:
1:20
Overview of Lymphoid Organs Example 1

B Lymphocyte Development

B lymphocytes develop and gain immunocompetence in the bone marrow. During this process, they undergo gene rearrangement to produce unique antigen receptors, preparing them to recognize specific pathogens once they enter circulation.
Recommended video:
4:37
B Cell Receptors

T Lymphocyte Development

T lymphocytes originate from bone marrow precursors but migrate to the thymus to develop immunocompetence. In the thymus, they undergo selection processes to ensure self-tolerance and functional antigen recognition before entering the bloodstream.
Recommended video:
5:18
T-Cell Receptors
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Antibodies released by plasma cells are involved in:

a. Humoral immunity

b. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions

c. Autoimmune disorders

d. All of the above

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Textbook Question

Which antibody class is abundant in body secretions?

a. IgA

b. IgD

c. IgE

d. IgG

e. IgM

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Textbook Question

Small molecules that must combine with large proteins to become immunogenic are called:

a. Complete antigens

b. Kinins

c. Antigenic determinants

d. Haptens

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Textbook Question

Cells that can directly attack target cells include all of the following except:

a. Macrophages

b. Cytotoxic T cells

c. Helper T cells

d. Natural killer cells

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is not involved in the activation of a B cell?

a. Antigen

b. Helper T cell

c. Cytokine

d. Cytotoxic T cell

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Textbook Question

Complement activation promotes all of the following except:

a. Cell lysis

b. Inflammation

c. Opsonization

d. Interferon release

e. Chemotaxis of neutrophils and other cell

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