US Medical Term · anatomy
Lymphocytes
Linfocitos
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Lymphocytes |
| Spanish (Español) | Linfocitos |
| Chinese (中文) | 淋巴球 |
| Korean (한국어) | 림프구 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tế bào lympho |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Lymphosito |
| Portuguese (Português) | Linfócitos |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ลิมโฟไซต์ |
| Japanese (日本語) | リンパ球 |
What it means
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in your immune system. There are two main types: B cells, which produce antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses, and T cells, which directly attack infected or cancerous cells. Lymphocytes circulate through the blood and lymphatic system and are found in high numbers in lymph nodes and the spleen. A low lymphocyte count (lymphocytopenia) can result from certain infections like HIV, autoimmune diseases, or chemotherapy, and can leave you more vulnerable to illness. A high count (lymphocytosis) may indicate a viral infection or certain blood cancers like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Lymphocytes are measured as part of a complete blood count.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My lymphocyte count was abnormal — the doctor wants to do more tests.
El conteo de linfocitos estaba anormal — el médico quiere hacer más pruebas.
The doctor explained that lymphocytes are the cells that fight viruses.
El médico explicó que los linfocitos son las células que combaten los virus.
Why are my lymphocytes low on my blood results?
¿Por qué los linfocitos están bajos en mis resultados de sangre?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026