If the thymus shrank and stopped making thymosins, we would expect to see an immediate decrease in the number of
A) B lymphocytes.
B) NK cells.
C) T cells.
D) neutrophils.
E) NK cells and T cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thymosins are hormones produced by the thymus that stimulate the development and maturation of T cells. Therefore, if the thymus shrank and stopped producing thymosins, we would expect to see a decrease in the number of T cells. B lymphocytes and NK cells do not depend on thymosins for their development or maturation, so there would not be an immediate decrease in their numbers. Neutrophils are not directly affected by the thymus or thymosins.

If the Thymus Shrank and Stopped Making Thymosins, We Would