Thymus

Question 1

T/F: The thymus is part of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 1

False: It is a major immune gland

Question 2

What does the Thymus produce and why is this significant clinically?

Answer 2

T-lymphocytes. These are a major immune cell in fighting infection. These are no longer produced after birth but remain in the thymus to mature throughout life.

Question 3

T/F: The thymus shrinks with age?

Answer 3

True

Question 4

The thymus is composed of (blank) and lies primarily where?

Answer 4

• it is composed of two irregular lobes

- it lies primarily behind (posterior) to the manubrium and the body of the sternum

Question 5

Which muscles lie just anterior to the thymus and thyroid gland?

Answer 5

Sternohyoid and Sternothyroid muscles

Question 6

What is the blood supply to the thymus?

Answer 6

Internal Thoracic Atery

Question 7

Where does the Thymus receive its nerve innervation from?

Answer 7

The Stellate ganglion of the sympathetic trunk and the Vagus

Question 8

T/F: the thymus lies superior to the thyroid gland.

Answer 8

False. It lies inferior

Question 9

Where are common extensions of the thymus found?

Answer 9

Into the neck around the front and sides of the trachea