NDA Biology · Human Physiology
The Immune System
White blood cells defend the body; lymphocytes are the cells that produce antibodies against foreign antigens.
Why this matters
2 PYQs, both the same fact: lymphocytes make antibodies. Worth one sure mark — learn which white blood cell does antibody production versus the others (neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes).
Concept 1 of 1: White blood cells and antibody production
Definition
The white-blood-cell roles the bank tests:
- Lymphocytes — produce antibodies (B-lymphocytes → plasma cells); also T-lymphocytes for cell-mediated immunity.
- Neutrophils — first responders; engulf bacteria (phagocytosis).
- Eosinophils — fight parasites and act in allergy.
- Monocytes — become macrophages (large eaters).
Antibody production is the lymphocyte's job — not erythrocytes (RBCs), platelets, or the other WBCs.
| Cell | Main role |
|---|---|
| Lymphocytes | Produce ANTIBODIES (B-cells → plasma cells) NDA 2024/2025 — the antibody-producing cells are LYMPHOCYTES. |
| Neutrophils | Phagocytosis of bacteria |
| Eosinophils | Parasites, allergy |
| Monocytes | Become macrophages |
Practice this conceptself-check · 3 quick reps
The same idea in a real exam question:
Example 1 · Human Physiology · Immune System — Antibody Production
Antibodies = lymphocytes, not other WBCs
Summary — formulas & gotchas at a glance
A revision cheat-sheet for the formulas and gotchas above. Click any concept name to jump back to its full explanation.
Reference tables (1)
White blood cells and antibody production4 rows
| Cell | Main role |
|---|---|
| Lymphocytes | Produce ANTIBODIES (B-cells → plasma cells) NDA 2024/2025 — the antibody-producing cells are LYMPHOCYTES. |
| Neutrophils | Phagocytosis of bacteria |
| Eosinophils | Parasites, allergy |
| Monocytes | Become macrophages |
Watch out for (1)
- Antibodies = lymphocytes, not other WBCs→ White blood cells and antibody production
Test yourself on Human Physiology
15 past NDA questions from this chapter, timed at 15 minutes and marked the way the exam marks it. You see your score and every answer the moment you finish. Free to start.