Light microscopy of the thymus gland displaying a lobular morphology with an outer dense cortex and inner lighter stained medulla. Red structures are blood vessels. 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 x25 when printed at 10 cm | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Microscape |
Taille de l’image : | 4724 px × 5440 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |