Chapter 3: Thymus Gland Flashcards
Where is the Thymus Gland located?
Behind the sternum and between the lungs.
What does the Thymus Gland secrete?
Thymosin.
What is the Thymus Gland?
A hormone that is instrumental in the production and maturation of T-lymphocytes or T cells.
what are the T cells?
A specific type of White blood cells.
What does T cells do?
Circulate around the body scanning for cellular abnormalities and foreign invaders
What is the ability that T cells have?
To kill cells infected with viruses and bacteria, eradicate cancer cells and help the body protect itself against autoimmunity.
What is Autoimmunity?
When the immune system turns against itself.
Does the Thymus Gland function throughout a full lifetime?
No.
When is the Thymus Gland only activated?
Until puberty.
By what time does the Thymus produces all of the body’s T cells that the body will need until it dies?
By the time of puberty.
