Final answer:
The thymus gland releases thymosin hormones to promote the development and differentiation of T cells, key components of the adaptive immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thymus releases thymosins, which promote the production of T cells.
Thymosins are hormones produced and secreted by the thymus gland that play a crucial role in the development and differentiation of T cells, which are lymphocytes that act by secreting molecules to regulate the immune system or by causing the destruction of foreign cells, viruses, and cancer cells.
Specifically, helper T lymphocytes (Th), which bear the CD4 molecule, function by secreting cytokines that enhance other immune responses.
Immature T lymphocytes are produced in the red bone marrow and travel to the thymus to undergo maturation, becoming equipped to perform their vital functions in the adaptive immune system.