Question

What happens in a person with thymus malfunction (for example, due to a tumour)?

A. Fewer naïve B cells would mature, thus reducing the effectiveness of the immune system.

B. More naïve T cells would mature, thus increasing the effectiveness of the immune system.

C. More antibody would be produced, thus increasing the effectiveness of the immune system.

D. Fewer naïve T cells would mature, thus reducing the effectiveness of the immune system.

Answer 1

A thymus malfunction, like a tumour, results in fewer mature naïve T cells, leading to a compromised immune system and increasing susceptibility to infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a person experiences a thymus malfunction, such as due to a tumour, the result typically involves a decrease in the maturation of naïve T cells. This is problematic because the thymus is essential for the maturation and development of T cells, which are crucial for cell-mediated immunity. With fewer mature T cells, the effectiveness of the immune system is compromised, increasing the individual's susceptibility to infections and diseases. This scenario corresponds with option D: Fewer naïve T cells would mature, thus reducing the effectiveness of the immune system.