What are B lymphocytes also known as?

B lymphocytes, also known as B cells, are a vital component of the immune system and are classified as a type of white blood cell. They play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response by producing antibodies that help to neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. B cells develop in the bone marrow and are essential for humoral immunity, which involves the secretion of antibodies into the bloodstream. Understanding their function and classification as white blood cells is fundamental in immunology, as they are integral to the body's defense mechanisms.

While B cells can differentiate into plasma cells that specifically produce antibodies, the term "plasma cells" pertains to their function rather than their classification. Helper cells and T cells refer to different types of immune cells and are not accurate descriptors for B lymphocytes.