Final answer:
B cells are derived from common lymphoid progenitors. They mature in the bone marrow and are part of the lymphocytes, which also include T cells and natural killer cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
B cells are derived from common lymphoid progenitors, not common myeloid progenitors. The cells of the immune system, including B cells, originate from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. These stem cells differentiate into either myeloid or lymphoid progenitors. Lymphoid stem cells give rise to lymphocytes, which include B cells, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, all functioning in immunity. B cells undergo maturation in the bone marrow, while T cells mature in the thymus after migrating there from the bone marrow. On the other hand, myeloid stem cells give rise to other formed elements such as erythrocytes, megakaryocytes (and thereby platelets), and granular leukocytes like neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.