Where do B cells develop?

B cells develop in the bone marrow, which is a key site for the generation of various types of blood cells, including lymphocytes. During the development process, precursor cells in the bone marrow differentiate into B cells, where they undergo maturation and selection. Once mature, B cells migrate to peripheral lymphoid organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, where they can participate in immune responses.

Understanding the specific function of the bone marrow is crucial for grasping the broader context of the immune system. While T cells, another type of lymphocyte, mature in the thymus, B cells are uniquely associated with bone marrow for their development. This distinction helps elucidate the different roles and origins of various immune cell types in the body's defense mechanisms.