IgM is primarily found in the blood, but can also be present in the lymph and secreted across mucosal surfaces.
Here's a breakdown:
- Blood: IgM is predominantly located in the blood.
- Lymph: It can also appear in the lymph.
- Mucosal Surfaces: IgM can be secreted across mucosal surfaces.
Unlike other immunoglobulins like IgG or IgE, IgM, being a larger multimeric molecule, does not easily move from the bloodstream into tissues.
| Location | Presence | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Blood | Predominantly present | Primary location |
| Lymph | Also present | |
| Mucosal Surfaces | Can be secreted across | |
| Tissues | Limited entry from the bloodstream due to size | Its larger size restricts its movement from the blood into the tissues. |
