Primary lymphoid structures Flashcards
Describe the primary lymphoid structures involved in lymphocyte formation.
The primary lymphoid structures involved in lymphocyte formation are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
Explain the role of red bone marrow in the body.
Red bone marrow is the site of hematopoiesis, which is the production of blood’s formed elements, including T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes.
How do T-lymphocytes mature in the body?
T-lymphocytes migrate to the thymus to complete their maturation.
Define the location and significance of the thymus in the immune system.
The thymus is located in the mediastinum and is significant for the maturation of T-lymphocytes.
What are the structural features of the thymus?
The thymus consists of two thymic lobes, each surrounded by a connective tissue capsule, with trabeculae subdividing the lobes into lobules.
Describe the composition of the cortex and medulla in the thymus.
The cortex of the thymus contains immature T-lymphocytes, while the medulla contains mature T-lymphocytes.
Identify the locations of red bone marrow in the human body.
Red bone marrow is located between the trabeculae of spongy bone in flat bones of the skull, ribs, sternum, vertebrae, ossa coxae, and the heads of the humerus and femur.
Explain the difference in thymus size between children and adults.
The thymus is larger in children than in adults.
