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Multiple Choice
Which lymphoid organ produces hormones that direct the maturation of T lymphocytes?
A
Spleen
B
Lymph nodes
C
Thymus
D
Bone marrow
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of T lymphocytes in the immune system. T lymphocytes, or T cells, are a type of white blood cell that play a critical role in adaptive immunity by identifying and attacking infected or abnormal cells.
Step 2: Learn about the maturation process of T lymphocytes. T cells originate in the bone marrow but require further maturation to become functional. This maturation process involves the development of specific receptors that allow T cells to recognize antigens.
Step 3: Identify the lymphoid organ responsible for T cell maturation. The thymus is the primary organ where immature T cells undergo maturation and differentiation. It produces hormones such as thymosin, which are essential for this process.
Step 4: Compare the thymus to other lymphoid organs. While the spleen and lymph nodes are involved in filtering blood and lymph and housing mature immune cells, they do not produce hormones for T cell maturation. Bone marrow is where T cells originate but does not direct their maturation.
Step 5: Conclude that the thymus is the correct answer based on its unique function of producing hormones that guide the maturation of T lymphocytes.