Lymphocytes become specialized during an infection and produce the body's immune response.
Originate as pinched-off cytoplasmic fragments of large cells in the bone marrow. Function in blood clotting. The formation of Blood Cells and Platelets The cellular elements of the blood must be replaced as they wear out. The average erythrocyte circulates in the blood for 3 - 4 months before being destroyed by phagocytic cells in the liver and spleen. The components are usually recycled with new molecules being constructed from the macromolecule components of the old cells.