thymus gland A ductless mass of flattened lymphoid tissue situated behind the top of the sternum; it forms antibodies in the newborn and is involved in the development of the immune system.
T-lymphocytes (T-cells) mature in the thymus gland. Other blood cells such as monocytes and leukocytes are produced in the bone marrow. Lymph nodes are areas of concentrated lymphocytes and macrophages along the lymphatic veins.
Cellular immunity is based on the interaction of MHC proteins found on surfaces of circulating cells and T lymphocytes (white blood cells that pass through the thymus gland during maturation).
A variety of white blood cells present in blood, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, gut wall and bone marrow.
Lymphoid tissues (appendix, spleen, thymus gland) reach max size before puberty → size is
reduced to its adult size after puberty → reduction in size caused by sex hormones ...
as adults, red blood cell production is limited to the larger bones: the bodies of the vertebrae, the breastbone (sternum), the ribcage, the pelvic bones, and the bones of the upper arms and legs. In addition, during childhood, the thymus gland, ...
 See also: Cells, Blood, Antibodies, Lymph, Immune system
  
|
RSS
