Primary Lymphoid Organs definitions Flashcards

The process of blood cell formation, including the production of T and B lymphocytes in the red bone marrow.

The formation of lymphocytes, specifically T and B cells, originating in the red bone marrow.

The state of being capable of carrying out an effective immune response against specific pathogens.

A bilobed organ in the mediastinum essential for T cell maturation and selection, part of the lymphatic, immune, and endocrine systems.

The region in the upper chest behind the sternum, between the lungs, and above the heart, where the thymus is located.

A barrier formed by thymic epithelial cells preventing antigens in the blood from disrupting T cell maturation in the thymus.

Inward capsular extensions of dense irregular connective tissue dividing the thymus lobes into smaller lobules.

Smaller compartments within each lobe of the thymus, containing an outer cortex and an inner medulla.

The region in thymic lobules where premature T cells begin their maturation process.

The region in thymic lobules containing mature T cells, marked by lighter staining in micrographs.

Concentric whorls of thymic epithelial cells in the inner medulla, involved in regulatory T cell development.

A special type of T cell developed in the thymus, important for preventing autoimmune diseases.

Fatty tissue that accumulates in the thymus as it atrophies with age, replacing thymic tissue.

Specialized cells in the thymus forming the blood-thymus barrier and thymic corpuscles, secreting signaling molecules.

The process of the thymus decreasing in size and activity over time, with tissue replaced by fibrous and fatty tissue.