AEMCA Practice Exam

What do lymphoid stem cells develop into?

1. Lymphocytes

2. Red blood cells

3. Platelets

4. Macrophages

The correct answer is: Lymphocytes

Lymphoid stem cells are a specific type of stem cell that primarily gives rise to lymphocytes, which are critical components of the immune system. These cells can differentiate into various types of lymphocytes, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Each of these lymphocyte types plays a distinct role in the immune response, such as recognizing and destroying infected cells, producing antibodies to target antigens, and orchestrating immune responses. In contrast, red blood cells, platelets, and macrophages are derived from different stem cell lineages. Red blood cells originate from erythroid progenitor cells, platelets are formed from megakaryocytes, and macrophages are derived from myeloid progenitors. Thus, lymphoid stem cells are uniquely specialized for the production of lymphocytes, establishing their critical role in adaptive immunity. This specialization is vital for the body's ability to fight infections and maintain immune homeostasis.