Earlier in the history of Western medicine, surgeons did not know the immune function of the thymus gland and it was sometimes removed in children. What symptoms would you predict these patients might display after having their thymus gland removed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The thymus gland plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response to foreign material. Removal of the thymus gland would result in a reduction in the ability to recognize and distinguish foreign material from body proteins, leading to potential problems with infections and the development of autoimmune diseases. However, it would not result in complete rejection of all normal body tissues or a failure to produce any white blood cells.

Earlier in the History of Western Medicine, Surgeons Did Not