A&P II - 20.6 The Lymphatic System and Immunity - The Thymus is a lymphoid organ that produces functional T-Cells

Epithelial reticular cells (ERCs)

cells that regulate T-cell development and function. ERC processes also encircle the capillaries in the cortex and maintain the blood thymus barrier.

Thymus

a lymphoid organ that produces several hormones that are important to the development of functional T-cells and thus to the maintenance of normal immunological defenses.

Lobules (of the septum)

formed by the septum of the thymus. Each lobule consists a dark outer cortex and lighter central medulla.

Thymus lobes

portions of the capsule that covers the thymus divide it into left and right halves

Thymic corpuscles/ Hassal's corpuscles

structures that are involved in the production of T-regulatory cells.

Thymosins

the collective hormones from the extract of the thymus

Septa (singular, Septum) of the thymus

the dividing lines that help form the lobules of the thymus

Thymosin

the name given to an extract from the thymus that promotes the development and maturation of lymphocytes.

Involution

the process after puberty, the thymus shrinks from its largest size (40grams) to its smallest (12grams). At its smallest, it's mostly fibrous and fatty.