Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

Introduction to the Immune System

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Introduction to the Immune System

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Multiple Choice

A newborn who is accidentally given a drug that destroys the thymus would most likely:

be unable to produce mature T lymphocytes

have an increased production of antibodies

show increased resistance to infections

develop an enlarged spleen

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the thymus: The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ responsible for the maturation of T lymphocytes (T cells), which are critical for adaptive immunity. Without a functional thymus, T cells cannot mature properly.

Analyze the impact of thymus destruction: If the thymus is destroyed, the body loses its ability to produce mature T lymphocytes. This would impair the adaptive immune response, particularly cell-mediated immunity, which relies on T cells to fight infections.

Evaluate antibody production: Antibodies are produced by B lymphocytes (B cells), which mature in the bone marrow, not the thymus. Therefore, the destruction of the thymus would not directly increase antibody production.

Assess resistance to infections: Mature T lymphocytes are essential for fighting infections. Without them, the newborn would likely show decreased resistance to infections, not increased resistance.

Consider the spleen's role: The spleen is involved in filtering blood and supporting immune responses. While the destruction of the thymus might indirectly affect the spleen, it would not necessarily lead to an enlarged spleen as a direct consequence.