Final answer:
T cells mature in the thymus, differentiating them from B cells, which mature in the bone marrow. The thymus and bone marrow are primary lymphoid organs crucial for the development of these immune cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
While both B and T lymphocytes originate in the bone marrow, T cells undergo maturation in the thymus. B cells, however, mature in the bone marrow itself, which leads to their nomenclature. After maturation, T cells relocate from the thymus to join B cells in the lymphatic system. Collectively, the bone marrow and the thymus are referred to as primary lymphoid organs because of their critical roles in the development and maturation of these immune cells. Upon leaving the thymus, T cells start participating in the adaptive immune response, searching for and combating foreign pathogens.