Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
The thymus produces two peptides that function to:
A
stimulate the maturation of T lymphocytes
B
promote the breakdown of fats in adipose tissue
C
regulate blood glucose levels
D
increase the production of red blood cells
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the thymus gland in the immune system. The thymus is a specialized organ located in the chest, and its primary function is related to the development and maturation of T lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
Recall that T lymphocytes are crucial for adaptive immunity, which is the body's ability to recognize and respond to specific pathogens. The thymus produces peptides that help in the maturation and differentiation of these cells.
Eliminate the incorrect options by considering the functions of the thymus. For example, the thymus does not regulate blood glucose levels (this is primarily the role of the pancreas) or promote the breakdown of fats in adipose tissue (this is related to hormones like adrenaline).
Consider the option about increasing the production of red blood cells. This is not a function of the thymus; red blood cell production is regulated by erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys.
Conclude that the correct answer is related to the thymus's role in stimulating the maturation of T lymphocytes, as this aligns with its biological function in the immune system.