Lymphocytes - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

Last updated

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in the immune system. They help your body fight off pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that bind to pathogens to help destroy them. T cells have different roles, including killing infected body cells and supporting other immune cells. Lymphocytes circulate in the blood and can also be found in the lymph nodes and spleen. Together, they help the body to recognise and respond to pathogens that might cause disease.

Examiner-written GCSE Biology revision resources that improve your grades 2x

  • Written by expert teachers and examiners
  • Aligned to exam specifications
  • Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
GCSE Biology revision resources

Share this article

Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now