Which of the following statements about B lymphocytes is correct?

B lymphocytes, or B cells, play a crucial role in the adaptive immune system primarily through their ability to produce antibodies. When activated, B cells can differentiate into plasma cells, which are specialized cells that secrete large volumes of antibodies. These antibodies are specific to antigens, allowing them to neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction by other immune cells.

The other statements do not accurately represent B lymphocytes. For instance, while B cells are found in lymph nodes, they also exist in other areas such as the spleen and the bone marrow. Additionally, B cells are primarily involved in humoral immunity rather than cell-mediated immunity, which is mainly handled by T lymphocytes. Lastly, B cells develop from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow and are not derived from T cells, which have a different lineage. This distinction is essential for understanding the unique functions and origins of the various immune cell types.