Question

Destruction of thymus in children may lead to

• A. Loss of skin pigmentation
• B. Reduction of hemoglobin content in blood
• C. Reduction in stem cell production
• D. Loss of cell mediated immunity

Answer 1

The correct option is D Loss of cell mediated immunity

The thymus gland is a lobular structure located on the dorsal side of the heart and the aorta. The thymus plays a major role in the development of the immune system. This gland secretes the peptide hormones called thymosins. Thymosins play a major role in the differentiation of T lymphocytes, which provide cell-mediated immunity. In addition, thymosins also promote production of antibodies to provide humoral immunity. Children with defective thymus may suffer from loss of cell mediated immunity.