Which lymphoid organ atrophies as we age?
thymus
appendix
spleen
tonsils
lymph nodes
The Correct Answer is A
A. Thymus: The thymus is largest and most active during childhood, producing T lymphocytes and establishing adaptive immunity. With age, it gradually atrophies and is replaced by fatty tissue, leading to reduced production of new T cells in older adults.
B. Appendix: The appendix contains lymphoid tissue, but it does not undergo significant atrophy with age. Its lymphoid function persists, albeit reduced, and it remains structurally present throughout life.
C. Spleen: The spleen retains its structure and immune functions throughout life. Although some immune efficiency may decline with age, it does not undergo true atrophy like the thymus.
D. Tonsils: Tonsils may undergo partial shrinkage after adolescence, but this is variable, and they do not exhibit the pronounced age-related atrophy characteristic of the thymus.
E. Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes may decrease slightly in size with aging, but they generally remain functional throughout life and do not atrophy to the same extent as the thymus.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Has a lag period while B cells proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells:The primary immune response involves initial exposure to an antigen. B cells require time to recognize the antigen, proliferate, and differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies, resulting in a delayed but specific response.
B. Is another name for immunological memory:Immunological memory refers to the enhanced response of the secondary immune response due to memory cells. It is not synonymous with the primary immune response, which occurs upon first exposure to an antigen.
C. Occurs more rapidly and is stronger than the secondary response:The primary response is slower and weaker than the secondary response. Memory cells generated during the primary response enable the secondary response to act faster and with higher antibody production.
D. Occurs when memory cells are stimulated:Stimulation of memory cells triggers the secondary immune response, not the primary response. The primary response occurs when naive B and T cells encounter an antigen for the first time.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. Lymph nodes:Lymph nodes contain both B and T lymphocytes. B cells are primarily found in the outer cortex, where they can respond to antigens and undergo clonal expansion.
B. Spleen:The spleen houses B cells in the white pulp, where they encounter antigens from the blood and can differentiate into plasma cells to produce antibodies.
C. Tonsil:Tonsils contain B cells within lymphoid follicles. They contribute to immune responses against pathogens entering through the oral and nasal cavities.
D. All of the above contain B cells:This is incorrect because not all the listed organs contain B cells. Most secondary lymphoid organs do, but the thymus is an exception.
E. Thymus:The thymus primarily supports the maturation of T lymphocytes. It does not contain B cells in significant numbers and is considered a primary lymphoid organ for T cell development.
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