Q.Imagine, if atrophy of thymus occurs in a child, what would be the serious consequences the child would face ? Explain briefly.
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Because the thymus is where T-cells mature, its atrophy in childhood cripples cell-mediated immunity, leaving the child highly vulnerable to infection.
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ that is particularly large and active in children, providing the environment in which immature T-lymphocytes (originating from bone marrow stem cells) mature, are selected for functional and self-tolerant receptors, and are released into circulation as competent T-cells. If the thymus atrophies (shrinks/degenerates) in a child, this maturation process is severely disrupted, resulting in a much smaller and less functional pool of mature T-cells; since T-cells are central to cell-mediated immunity (fighting viruses, fungi, and intracellular bacteria, as well as coordinating the overall immune response, including helping B cells make antibodies), thymic atroph …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.