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

The function of the thymus is to:

Mature T lymphocytes

Produce antibodies

Filter pathogens from blood

Store red blood cells

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the thymus in the immune system. The thymus is a specialized organ located in the mediastinum, above the heart, and is primarily involved in the development and maturation of T lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).

Recall that T lymphocytes are crucial for adaptive immunity. They help the body recognize and respond to specific pathogens. The thymus provides an environment for immature T cells to mature and differentiate into functional T cells.

Eliminate incorrect options based on the thymus's function: 'Produce antibodies' is incorrect because antibody production is primarily the role of B lymphocytes, not T lymphocytes. 'Filter pathogens from blood' is incorrect because this is the role of organs like the spleen. 'Store red blood cells' is incorrect because red blood cells are stored in the spleen, not the thymus.

Focus on the correct answer: The thymus is responsible for maturing T lymphocytes. This process involves positive and negative selection to ensure that T cells can recognize foreign antigens while avoiding attacking the body's own tissues.

Conclude that the correct answer is 'Mature T lymphocytes,' as this is the primary and unique function of the thymus in the immune system.