Asked by Ariana Khojandpour on Jun 10, 2024
Verified
Earlier in the history of Western medicine, surgeons did not know the immune function of the thymus gland and it was sometimes removed in children. What symptoms would you predict these patients might display after having their thymus gland removed?
A) increased inflammatory and allergic responses to foreign material including viruses
B) reduced ability to recognize foreign material and distinguish it from body proteins
C) serious problems after receiving blood transfusions of any type of blood
D) complete rejection of all normal body tissues
E) failure to produce any white blood cells
Thymus Gland
A primary lymphoid organ of the immune system, located in the upper anterior part of the chest cavity, playing a vital role in the development of T cells.
White Blood Cells
Cells of the immune system that help protect the body against infections and foreign invaders, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Allergic Responses
The immune system’s hypersensitive reactions to normally harmless substances, such as pollen or food.
- Acquire knowledge on the anatomy and functions of lymphoid organs.
- Differentiate the attributes of innate immunity from those of adaptive immunity.
Verified Answer
NQ
Nguyen QuyenJun 13, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The thymus gland plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response to foreign material. Removal of the thymus gland would result in a reduction in the ability to recognize and distinguish foreign material from body proteins, leading to potential problems with infections and the development of autoimmune diseases. However, it would not result in complete rejection of all normal body tissues or a failure to produce any white blood cells.
Learning Objectives
- Acquire knowledge on the anatomy and functions of lymphoid organs.
- Differentiate the attributes of innate immunity from those of adaptive immunity.