Final answer:
B cells are immune cells that produce antibodies, or immunoglobulins, which are proteins that bind to pathogens. They play a vital role in the body's defense against pathogens and are part of the adaptive immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
B cells are immune cells that function primarily by producing antibodies. An antibody is a protein that binds specifically to pathogen-associated molecules known as antigens. Once activated by binding to an antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells, which secrete large quantities of antibodies.
Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are involved in the body's defense against pathogens by binding to them and marking them for destruction. There are different types of immunoglobulins, including IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE, each with its own specific functions.
B cells play a crucial role in adaptive specific immunity, also known as humoral immunity. They are responsible for the production of antibodies that help protect the body from pathogens in the extracellular environment.