Where are B lymphocytes processed?

B lymphocytes, also known as B cells, are primarily processed in the bone marrow. This is a critical part of the hematopoietic system where all blood cells, including lymphocytes, are produced and matured. In the case of B cells, they undergo both development and maturation within the bone marrow.

During this process, precursor cells differentiate into mature B cells that are capable of producing antibodies. Once they have matured, these B cells then migrate to peripheral lymphoid tissues, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, where they can encounter antigens and become activated.

The other locations listed—thymus, liver, and spleen—serve different roles in the immune system. For instance, the thymus is where T lymphocytes mature, and the spleen acts as a filtration system for blood and a meeting point for immune cells, but it is not the site of B cell processing. Thus, the bone marrow is specifically the correct and key location for the processing of B lymphocytes.