The Thymus Explained: Structure, Cells, And Its Role In Immunity

The Thymus Explained: Structure, Cells, And Its Role In Immunity

Histology of Thymus
Answer:

• Thymus consists of right & left lobes joined by fibrous tissue
• Each lobe is about 2 mm in diameter
• It has outer cortex & inner medulla
• Each lobe has
  1. Capsule
     • Made up of connective tissue
  2. Septa
     • It passes from capsule which incompletely divides the lobe into lobules

Cells of Thymus:

1. Epithelial cells called epitheliocytes
   • They are flattened cells
   • They join to form sheets covering internal surface of capsule, surfaces of septa & surfaces of blood vessels
   • They lie deep in the lobule
     Functions:
   • Prevents antigen present in blood from reaching lymphocytes in thymus
   • Promotes Tcell differentiation & proliferation