Light microscopy of the thymus gland displaying a lobular morphology with an outer dense cortex and inner lighter stained medulla. Seeded with precursor white blood cells from bone marrow the thymus selects a tiny fraction for development into T lymphocytes essential for normal immune functions. The cortex teems with huge numbers of differentiating lymphocytes. The medulla provides final maturation steps prior to release of competent T cells into the general body circulation. With advancing age the thymus shrinks considerably and is slowly replaced by fibrofatty tissue. Magnification x20 when printed at 10 cm | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Microscape |
Bildgröße: | 5315 px × 4189 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |