Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the thymus is true?
A
The thymus increases in size and activity throughout adulthood.
B
The thymus produces antibodies directly.
C
The thymus is the primary site for T cell maturation.
D
The thymus is located in the abdominal cavity.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the thymus as an organ of the lymphatic and immune systems. It plays a critical role in the development and maturation of T lymphocytes (T cells), which are essential for adaptive immunity.
Step 2: Understand the location of the thymus. The thymus is located in the mediastinum, which is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, not the abdominal cavity.
Step 3: Clarify the function of the thymus. The thymus does not produce antibodies directly; this is the role of B cells, which mature in the bone marrow. The thymus is responsible for the maturation of T cells, which are involved in cell-mediated immunity.
Step 4: Note the changes in the thymus over time. The thymus is most active during childhood and adolescence, but it decreases in size and activity after puberty, undergoing a process called involution.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is: 'The thymus is the primary site for T cell maturation,' as this accurately describes its primary function in the immune system.