What is the primary function of lymphocytes in the immune system?

Lymphocytes are a crucial component of the adaptive immune system and play a primary role in the body's immune response. Their primary function is to produce antibodies, which are proteins that specifically target and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. When lymphocytes encounter an antigen—an identifiable substance that may be harmful—they respond by activating and proliferating to produce a highly specific immune response.

In the case of B cells, a type of lymphocyte, they differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies into the bloodstream. These antibodies can bind to antigens on pathogens, marking them for destruction and preventing their ability to infect cells. This process is essential for establishing long-term immunity, as some lymphocytes can become memory cells that allow for a rapid response upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen.

The other functions described in the options pertain to different components of the immune system or bodily processes. For example, phagocytosis is primarily carried out by macrophages and other phagocytic cells that engulf and digest pathogens and debris, while clearing debris from tissues is a role performed by specialized cells in the immune system. Initiating blood clotting involves platelets and various clotting factors, which are unrelated to the primary function of lymphocytes. Thus,