Which of the following cells are characterized as small lymphocytes?

Prepare for the NMTCB PET Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Excel in your certification test!

The option identifying T Cells and B Cells as small lymphocytes is accurate because these cells play key roles in the adaptive immune response. Small lymphocytes are a category of white blood cells that include B and T lymphocytes; they are involved in recognizing specific antigens and generating targeted immune responses.

B cells are responsible for antibody production, while T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity. They are characterized by their small size, round nucleus, and relatively scant cytoplasm when viewed under a microscope, which distinguishes them from other types of immune cells that are larger or have distinct morphological features.

In contrast, the other groups of cells mentioned in the other choices belong to different categories altogether. Granulocytes and macrophages are part of the innate immune system, primarily involved in nonspecific defense mechanisms, and they typically exhibit larger sizes and different functionality compared to lymphocytes. Neutrophils and eosinophils, also types of granulocytes, are involved in the body's acute inflammatory response and parasitic infections, respectively, but they do not fit into the small lymphocyte category. Lastly, natural killer cells, while part of the lymphocyte lineage, do not fall into the small lymphocyte classification due to their larger size and different function in the immune system

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