What are the two main types of lymphocytes?

The two main types of lymphocytes are B cells and T cells. These cells play crucial roles in the adaptive immune response. B cells are primarily responsible for producing antibodies, which target specific pathogens for destruction. They can also develop into memory cells, providing long-term immunity against previously encountered pathogens.

T cells, on the other hand, are involved in cell-mediated immunity. There are various subsets of T cells, including helper T cells, which assist other immune cells, and cytotoxic T cells, which directly kill infected or cancerous cells. This division of labor between B cells and T cells forms the backbone of the adaptive immune system, allowing for a targeted and effective response to a wide range of pathogens.

The other options refer to different types of immune cells that do not specifically categorize lymphocytes. Phagocytes and leukocytes involve broader categories of immune cells, while monocytes and granulocytes refer to types of white blood cells that are involved in innate immunity, not lymphocytes. Basophils and auxiliary cells do not encompass the main lymphocyte types, as they include cells with different functions in the immune response.