Among lymphocytes, which cells are typically the larger ones?
AThe plasma cells
BThe small B cells
CThe mature T cells
DThe NK cells
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. The NK cells
1. Lymphocytes span a wide size range, with large cells around 10 to 14 micrometers and small cells around 6 to 9 micrometers.
2. The larger lymphocytes are typically natural killer cells.
3. The smaller ones are either B or T cells, and they cannot be told apart on a normal blood smear.
4. Plasma cells are a form of B cell that secretes antibodies, so they sit on the small side of the split.
5. Mature T cells are likewise among the smaller lymphocytes.
6. Size is therefore a usable clue only for separating natural killer cells from the rest, not for separating B from T.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 18 "The Cardiovascular System: Blood", section 18.4 Leukocytes and Platelets_
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