A Baby Born Without a Thymus

Question

A baby born without a thymus:
A) would not have an antibody mediated immune response.
B) would not produce lymphocytes.
C) would not produce immunocompetent T cells.
D) will lack the ability to mount an immune response.
E) will lack antigen presenting cells.

Accepted Answer

The thymus is essential for the development of immunocompetent T cells, which are crucial for the adaptive immune system. Without a thymus, a baby would not be able to properly develop these cells, impacting the cell-mediated immunity. Other aspects of the immune system, such as antibody production (mediated by B cells) and the presence of antigen-presenting cells, would not be directly affected by the absence of the thymus.