Final answer:
Lymph nodes filter harmful substances from the lymph and house immune cells like B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies which mark antigens for destruction by other immune cells. The correct answer to the function of B lymphocytes is that they host the antibodies that attract scavenger cells to antigens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functions of Lymph Nodes and B Lymphocytes
Lymph nodes serve as critical components in the functioning of the immune system. They are vital as they act as filters for the lymph, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by specialized cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells. These substances are often referred to as antigens. The lymph nodes thus play a crucial role in providing an adaptive immune response mediated by B cells and T cells.
B cells are a type of lymphocyte that produce antibodies. These antibodies specifically target antigens, leading to their neutralization or destruction, often marking them for elimination by phagocytes or other parts of the immune system. When a B cell encounters an antigen that matches its receptors, it can differentiate into a plasma cell that secretes large quantities of antibodies.
One function attributed to B cells within the lymph nodes is to produce antibodies that can attract scavenger cells, like neutrophils and macrophages, to target and remove enemy antigens. These antibodies do not directly "eat" or "unleash"; instead, they host a binding site for antigens, facilitating an immune response.