AP PSYCHOLOGY

BIOLOGICAL BASES OF BEHAVIOR

THE NERVOUS AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What does the Thymus gland do?
A
Regulates blood glucose levels
B
stimulates growth
C
controls metabolism
D
regulates killer T cells
E
controls “fight or flight” response
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -THE THYMUS IS A SPECIALIZED ORGAN THAT DIRECTS THE DEVELOPMENT AND SELECTION OF T CELLS WHICH DIRECT ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY. THYMIC FUNCTION IS SPATIALLY AND TEMPORALLY REGULATED AND WANES WITH AGE. THYMIC OUTPUT IS ESSENTIAL DURING EARLY LIFE TO ESTABLISH IMMUNE COMPETENCE AND HOMEOSTASIS BUT IS DISPENSABLE THEREAFTER.

Detailed explanation-2: -The primary function of the thymus gland is to train special white blood cells called T-lymphocytes or T-cells. White blood cells (lymphocytes) travel from your bone marrow to your thymus. The lymphocytes mature and become specialized T-cells in your thymus. After the T-cells have matured, they enter your bloodstream.

Detailed explanation-3: -It has been reported that cytokines, including IL-6, IL-7 receptor, IL-10 and IL-22, serve a key regulatory role in T cell growth and differentiation processes in the thymus.

Detailed explanation-4: -The thymus is responsible for producing and maturing lymphocytes, or immune cells. These include T cells, a type of white blood cell that defends the body from infections. Additionally, the thymus suppresses the effects of aging, according to a 2016 study. Hormones released by the thymus inhibit the aging processes.

Detailed explanation-5: -As they differentiate, they move from the cortex towards the medulla of the thymus; different microenvironments within the thymus direct T cell development. Most cells that enter the thymus die by apoptosis without successfully completing the steps required for becoming a mature naive T cell.

There is 1 question to complete.