Thymus Development

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Introduction

Embryonic origins of the endocrine organs of the neck
Adult thymus location

The thymus has a key role in the development of an effective immune system as well as an endocrine function. In the adult thymus, specialised microenvironments allow the production of self-tolerant T cells from immature precursors.

The thymus has two origins for the lymphoid thymocytes and the thymic epithelial cells. The thymic epithelium begins as two flask-shape endodermal diverticula that form from the third pharyngeal pouch and extend lateralward and backward into the surrounding mesoderm and neural crest-derived mesenchyme in front of the ventral aorta. The immune system T cells are essential for responses against infections and much research concerns the postnatal development of T cells within the thymus.

History - Stieda in 1881[1] was the first to observe that the thymus gland originated from a visceral (pharyngeal) pouch (third pharyngeal pouch endoderm). More recently there was discussion of possible surface ectoderm (third pharyngeal cleft ectoderm) contribution, but mouse tracing studies have discounted this contribution.[2]

The mature thymus epithelium has two main cell types: cortical thymic epithelial (cTECs) and medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) or stromal cells. These thymic stromal cells provide signals for T cell differentiation.

The thymic medulla phagocytes negatively selects auto reactive CD4+ and CD8+ thymocytes, eliminate T cells bearing autoreactive T cell antigen receptors (TCRs). This process to prevent autoimmunity is also known as "negative selection", see adult thymus T cell elimination movie.


Endocrine Links: Introduction | BGD Lecture | Science Lecture | Lecture Movie | pineal | hypothalamus‎ | pituitary | thyroid | parathyroid | thymus | pancreas | adrenal | endocrine gonad‎ | endocrine placenta | other tissues | Stage 22 | endocrine abnormalities | Hormones | Category:Endocrine
Historic Embryology - Endocrine  
1903 Islets of Langerhans | 1903 Pig Adrenal | 1904 interstitial Cells | 1908 Pancreas Different Species | 1908 Pituitary | 1908 Pituitary histology | 1911 Rathke's pouch | 1912 Suprarenal Bodies | 1914 Suprarenal Organs | 1915 Pharynx | 1916 Thyroid | 1918 Rabbit Hypophysis | 1920 Adrenal | 1935 Mammalian Hypophysis | 1926 Human Hypophysis | 1927 Adrenal | 1927 Hypophyseal fossa | 1930 Adrenal | 1932 Pineal Gland and Cysts | 1935 Hypophysis | 1935 Pineal | 1937 Pineal | 1935 Parathyroid | 1940 Adrenal | 1941 Thyroid | 1950 Thyroid Parathyroid Thymus | 1957 Adrenal


Immune Links: immune | blood | spleen | thymus | lymphatic | lymph node | Antibody | Med Lecture - Lymphatic Structure | Med Practical | Immune Movies | vaccination | bacterial infection | Abnormalities | Category:Immune
Historic Embryology  
1909 Lymph glands | 1912 Development of the Lymphatic System | 1918 Gray's Lymphatic Images | 1916 Pig Lymphatics | 1919 Chicken Lymphatic | 1921 Spleen | 1922 Pig Stomach Lymphatics | 1932 Cat Pharyngeal Tonsil | Historic Disclaimer

Some Recent Findings

Mouse Thymus gene expression[3]
  • Multiple roles for HOXA3 in regulating thymus and parathyroid differentiation and morphogenesis in mouse[4] "Previous studies have shown that the Hoxa3 null mutant lacks third pharyngeal pouch derivatives, the thymus and parathyroids by E18.5, and organ-specific markers are absent or downregulated during initial organogenesis. Our current analysis of the Hoxa3 null mutant shows that organ-specific domains did undergo initial patterning, but the location and timing of key regional markers within the pouch, including Tbx1, Bmp4 and Fgf8, were altered. Expression of the parathyroid marker Gcm2 was initiated but was quickly downregulated and differentiation failed; by contrast, thymus markers were delayed but achieved normal levels, concurrent with complete loss through apoptosis. To determine the cell type-specific roles of Hoxa3 in third pharyngeal pouch development, we analyzed tissue-specific mutants using endoderm and/or neural crest cell (NCC)-specific Cre drivers. Simultaneous deletion with both drivers resulted in athymia at E18.5, similar to the null. By contrast, the individual tissue-specific Hoxa3 deletions resulted in small, ectopic thymi, although each had a unique phenotype. Hoxa3 was primarily required in NCCs for morphogenesis. In endoderm, Hoxa3 temporally regulated initiation of the thymus program and was required in a cell-autonomous manner for parathyroid differentiation. Furthermore, Hoxa3 was required for survival of third pharyngeal pouch-derived organs, but expression in either tissue was sufficient for this function." Developmental Signals - Homeobox
  • Dynamics of thymus organogenesis and colonization in early human development[5] "The thymus is the central site of T-cell development and thus is of fundamental importance to the immune system, but little information exists regarding molecular regulation of thymus development in humans. ... In addition, we provide molecular evidence that the human thymic epithelium derives solely from the third pharyngeal pouch, as in the mouse, in contrast to previous suggestions."
  • Thymus organogenesis[6]"A new study in the jawless fish, lampreys, indicates the existence of a primitive thymus in these surviving representatives of the most ancient vertebrates, providing strong evidence of co-evolution of T cells and thymus."
  • Modulation of Bmp4 signalling in the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that take place in early thymus and parathyroid development in avian embryos[7] "Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are crucial for the development of the endoderm of the pharyngeal pouches into the epithelia of thymus and parathyroid glands. ...Furthermore, mesenchymal-derived Bmp4 appears to be essential to promote early stages of endoderm development during a short window of time, irrespective of the mesenchymal source. In vivo studies using the quail-chick system and implantation of growth factor soaked-beads further showed that expression of Bmp4 by the mesenchyme is necessary during a 24 h-period of time. After this period however, Bmp4 is no longer required and another signalling factor produced by the mesenchyme, Fgf10, influences later differentiation of the pouch endoderm. "
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Search term: Thymus Embryology

<pubmed limit=5>Thymus Embryology</pubmed>

Development Overview

Stage 13 Embryo pharyngeal arches showing 3rd pharyngeal pouch

The thymus and parathyroid are derived from 3rd pharyngeal pouches.

Development is a series of epithelial/mesenchymal inductive interactions between neural crest-derived arch mesenchyme and pouch endoderm. There is also the possibility that the surface ectoderm of 3rd pharyngeal clefts participates in thymus development.

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are derived from the endoderm of the third pharyngeal pouch.

Hassall's bodies form between 6 and 10 lunar months in humans. They appear after lymphopoiesis has been established and the cortex, medulla and the cortico-medullary junction are able to select of T lymphocytes undergoing progressive maturation. (Text modified from Bodey and Kaiser, 1997)

Experimental studies have shown that a neural crest contribution is also required during early thymic organogenesis.

Week 8

Late embryonic thymus development.

Stage 22 image 200.jpg Human- Stage 22 thymus 01.jpg
Image shows general position of the developing thymus in entire embryo cross-section. The developing thymus is shown in the midline, located behind the sternum (right) and in front of the oesophagus and trachea. Selected high power image of thymus from complete cross-section above.


Links: Carnegie stage 22

Fetal

Gray1178.jpg Fetal thymus.jpg
Fetal thymus anatomy Fetal thymus histology]]
Fetal thymus weight growth graph.jpg

Human Fetal Thymus Weight Growth

Overall Size Changes with age
  • birth 10-15 g
  • puberty 30-40 g
  • after puberty - involution
    • Replaced by adipose tissue
    • middle-aged 10 g

Thymus Anatomy

  • Superior mediastinum, anterior to heart
  • Bilobed lymphoepithelial organ
    • Contains reticular cells but no fibers
  • Stem lymphocytes
    • proliferate and differentiate
    • forms long-lived T- lymphocytes

Mouse Model

These two figure and descriptions are from a recent review.[8]

Structure and function Mouse model thymus development
Thymus structure and function cartoon01.jpg Mouse model thymus development 01.jpg
Cartoon shows the thymus histological regions (cortex and medulla) each contains several different thymic epithelial cell (TEC) subtypes. Cartoon gives embryonic timing, key events and genes for prenatal mouse thymus development.


Mouse Thymus Gene Expression Pattern

Data from review.[8]

  • Hoxa3 (homeobox A3) - Early E9.5–E10.5, third cleft surface ectoderm.
  • Pax1 (paired box gene 1) Early E9.5–E10.5, all pharyngeal pouch endoderm. Late, progressively restricted to a minor population of cells in the adult cortex
  • Pax9 (paired box gene 9) Early E9.5–E10.5, all pharyngeal pouch endoderm.
  • Eya1 (eyes absent 1 homologue ) - Early E9.5–E10.5, all pharyngeal pouch endoderm, cleft ectoderm and neural crest cell mesenchyme organogenesis. Late N.D.
  • Foxn1 (forkhead box N1) - Early E11.25, the thymus domain of third pouch (high level of expression); hair follicles and the epidermis from about E14.5. 
Late all thymic epithelial cells.
Links: Mouse Development | Homeobox | FGF | Fox | Pax

Thymus Cell Types

T cell maturation requires interaction with thymic epithelial cells (TECs) in different regions of the thymus lobule

  • cortex - (cortical thymic epithelial cells, cTECs)
  • medulla - (medullary thymic epithelial cells, mTECs).
Thymus Histology: Fetal Thymus overview | Fetal Thymus Medulla | Fetal Thymus Cortex | Adult Thymus | unlabeled fetal overview | unlabeled fetal medulla |unlabeled fetal thymic corpuscle |unlabeled fetal cortex | unlabeled adult overview | Category:Thymus | Immune System Development

T Cells

T Cells (T lymphocytes) undergo maturation within the thymus.

  1. T cell progenitors enter the thymus at the cortex/medulla border via post–capillary venules
  2. migrate toward the capsule in response to chemokine signalling.
  3. In the cortex, thymocytes undergo positive selection by cTECs then migrate to the medulla
  4. In the medulla, thymocytes are screened for reactivity to tissue-restricted self antigens expressed by mTECs.
  5. Mature T cells exit the thymus via blood or lymphatic vessels in response to a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) gradient.


  • cortex and medulla - more numerous (denser) in cortex
  • majority of them developing T-lymphocytes (= thymic lymphocytes or thymocytes)

The following images are electron micrographs of T Lymphocyte (T cell) at different stages.

Lymphocyte EM Images: T and B Lymphocytes 1 TEM | T and B Lymphocytes 2 TEM | T Lymphocyte SEM | B lymphocyte 1 TEM | B lymphocyte 2 TEM | B lymphocyte 3 TEM | Plasma Cell TEM | T2 Lymphocyte 1 TEM | T2 Lymphocyte 2 TEM | lymphocyte rosettes | T lymphocyte 1 | T lymphocyte 2 | T lymphocyte 3 | T lymphocyte 4 | T lymphocyte 5 | T lymphocyte 6 | B lymphocyte | B lymphocytes TEM | Immune System Development | Blood

Thymic Epithelial Cells

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) Reticuloendothelial cells, reticular cells.

T cell maturation occurs through interaction with thymic epithelial cells (TECs) in different microenvironment and regions of the thymus lobule

  • cortex - (cortical thymic epithelial cells, cTECs)
  • medulla - (medullary thymic epithelial cells, mTECs)

These cells also ensheathe cortical capillaries, form an epitheloid layer (form blood-thymus barrier)

  • abundant, eosinophilic, large, ovoid and light nucleus 1-2 nucleoli

Thymus Macrophages

These Macrophages (phagocytes) are derived from the same lineage as monocytes in the bone marrow.

  • located in cortex and medulla
  • histologically difficult to distinguish from reticular cells in (Stain - Haematoxylin Eosin)
<html5media height="530" width="490">File:Mouse adult thymus 01.mp4</html5media>

Click Here to play on mobile device

Movie shows how dying thymocytes are efficiently cleared by phagocytes.[9]

Examples of cell death in situ during negative selection.

Purified CD4+CD8+ F5 thymocytes labeled with SNARF and Hoechst were introduced into LysM-GFP thymic slices then treated with 1 nM specific peptide for 30 min.

The incubation was continued for the indicated times and the slices were imaged by time-lapse two-photon microscopy.

The arrowheads point to dy|}ing thymocytes. Scale bars are 5 µm.

Mouse adult thymus 11.jpg

Mouse adult thymus 11.jpg
 ‎‎Thymus 1
Page | Play

Fetal/Young Thymus

Thymus - young 01.jpg Thymus - young 02.jpg
Young medulla Young cortex

Thymic corpuscle

Hassall’s corpuscle - Mass of concentric epithelioreticular cells

Thymus Involution

Thymus adult.jpg

Adult Thymus Histology

A postnatal process defined as a decrease in the size, weight and activity of the gland with advancing age.
  • After puberty much of the parenchyma of the thymus is replaced by adipose tissue.
  • particularly cortical lymphoid tissue.
  • initially proceeds rapid but slows down in adulthood.
  • Increase in size of thymic corpuscles.
  • process is called involution
  • under the control of steroid hormones

In a recent review[10], thymic involution was described as a result of high levels of circulating sex hormones, in particular during puberty, and a lower population of precursor cells from the bone marrow and finally changes in the thymic microenvironment.

Hassall's Bodies

Fetal thymus showing Hassall's body

Hassall's bodies, also called Hassall's corpuscles

  • form between 6 and 10 lunar months in humans.
  • appear after lymphopoiesis has been established and the cortex, medulla and the cortico-medullary junction are able to select of T lymphocytes undergoing progressive maturation.
  • within the thymus their number increases until puberty, then decreases.
  • features are named after Arthur Hill Hassall (1817-1894) a British physician and chemist.

Function

Thymus Hassall's corpuscle.jpg

Hassall's corpuscles express thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), suggesting that Hassall's corpuscles have a critical role in dendritic-cell-mediated secondary positive selection of medium-to-high affinity self-reactive T cells, leading to the generation of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells within the thymus.[11]

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is an epithelial cell-derived cytokine expressed in several tissues (skin, gut, lungs, and thymus) that signals through a TSLP receptor (TSLPR). This receptor is a heterodimer of the IL-7 receptor alpha chain and the TSLPR chain.

Disease Association

There has been one report showing changes in Hassall's bodies morphology associated with congenital heart defects.[12]

Histology

Thymus Histology: Fetal Thymus overview | Fetal Thymus Medulla | Fetal Thymus Cortex | Adult Thymus | unlabeled fetal overview | unlabeled fetal medulla |unlabeled fetal thymic corpuscle |unlabeled fetal cortex | unlabeled adult overview | Category:Thymus | Immune System Development

The developing fetal thymus shown below is from a 20 week gestational age (GA), 18 week post-fertilization age, or second trimester stage of development.

Molecular Development

Most molecular data based upon mouse development timing and expression.

Mouse Thymus gene expression[3]
Mouse Thymus E9.5 and E10.5[3]
Mouse Thymus E11[3]


Data from review.[8]

  • Hoxa3 (homeobox A3) - Early E9.5 to E10.5, third cleft surface ectoderm.
  • Pax1 (paired box gene 1) Early E9.5 to E10.5, all pharyngeal pouch endoderm. Late, progressively restricted to a minor population of cells in the adult cortex
  • Pax9 (paired box gene 9) Early E9.5 to E10.5, all pharyngeal pouch endoderm.
  • Eya1 (eyes absent 1 homologue ) - Early [[:Category:Mouse E9.5|E9.5 to E10.5, all pharyngeal pouch endoderm, cleft ectoderm and neural crest cell mesenchyme organogenesis. Late N.D.
  • Foxn1 (forkhead box N1) - Early E11.25, the thymus domain of third pouch (high level of expression); hair follicles and the epidermis from about E14.5. 
Late all thymic epithelial cells.

Foxg1 and Isl1

Transcription factors that appear to have a role in early thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation

Foxn1

Cited2

Cited2 deletion in the mouse is embryonic lethal with cardiovascular malformations, adrenal agenesis, cranial ganglia fusion, exencephaly, and left-right patterning defects.[13]

"Examination of Lmo4-deficient embryos revealed partially penetrant cardiovascular malformations and hypoplastic thymus. Examination of Lmo4;Cited2 compound mutants indicated that there is a genetic interaction between Cited2 and Lmo4 in control of thymus development. Our data suggest that this may occur, in part, through control of expression of a common target gene, Tbx1, which is necessary for normal thymus development."

Eva and Six

Both Eva and Six have been implicated in thymus development.[14]

  • Eya - human homolog of the Drosophila 'eyes absent' (Eya) gene.
  • Six - vertebrate genes which are homologs of the Drosophila 'sine oculis' (so) gene.

Growth Factors

Adult thymus functions are regulated by a range of factors i, including a range of peptides:

  • ghrelin
  • leptin
  • nerve growth factor
  • interleukins


References

  1. Stieda L (1881) Untersuchungen über die Entwickelung der Glandular Thymus, Glandular Thyreoidea, und Glandular carotidica. Leipzig, Engelmann p38.
  2. <pubmed>15098031</pubmed>
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 <pubmed>22087235</pubmed>| PLoS One.
  4. <pubmed>25249461</pubmed>
  5. <pubmed>23571219</pubmed>
  6. <pubmed>22266420</pubmed>
  7. <pubmed>22057081</pubmed>
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 <pubmed>15057786</pubmed>| Nat Rev Immune.
  9. <pubmed>23700386</pubmed>| PLoS Biol. | PLoS Biol. Immunobiology Collection
  10. <pubmed>20354268 </pubmed>
  11. <pubmed>16121185</pubmed>
  12. <pubmed>21125801</pubmed>
  13. <pubmed>20549734</pubmed>
  14. <pubmed>16530750</pubmed>

Reviews

<pubmed></pubmed> <pubmed></pubmed> <pubmed>24052146</pubmed> <pubmed>21862553</pubmed> <pubmed>18403191</pubmed> <pubmed>16846255</pubmed> <pubmed>16448532</pubmed> <pubmed>12969307</pubmed> <pubmed>11292256</pubmed>

Articles

<pubmed>21952680</pubmed> <pubmed>19306477</pubmed> <pubmed>11857615</pubmed>


Search PubMed: Thymus Development | Thymus Embryology

Additional Images

Historic Images

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Pages where the terms "Historic" (textbooks, papers, people, recommendations) appear on this site, and sections within pages where this disclaimer appears, indicate that the content and scientific understanding are specific to the time of publication. This means that while some scientific descriptions are still accurate, the terminology and interpretation of the developmental mechanisms reflect the understanding at the time of original publication and those of the preceding periods, these terms, interpretations and recommendations may not reflect our current scientific understanding.     (More? Embryology History | Historic Embryology Papers)

Sudler, MT. The Development of the Nose and of the Pharynx and its Derivatives in Man. (1902) Amer. J. Anat 1:391–416. Thymus Gland

Terms

Immune Development

  • adenoid - (Greek " +-oeides = in form of) in the form of a gland, glandular; the pharyngeal tonsil.
  • afferent lymph - vessel carrying lymph towards a node containing antigen-presenting cells, antigen, effector and memory T cells, and regulatory T cells.
  • acquired immune deficiency syndrome - (AIDS) note this is now better described as "advanced HIV disease", decrease in the number of CD4 T cells. (More? Immunobiology - AIDS)
  • anastomose - joining of two tubes or structures together.
  • Antibody mediated immunity - the immune function of plasma cells (active B lymphocytes) secreting antibody which binds antigen.
  • antibodies - mammals have five classes (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM)
  • antigen - any substance that is recognised by the immune system and stimulates antibody production.
  • appendix - is a gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) located at the beginning of the colon. The anatomy is as a finger-like structure that arises from the cecum. The length (2.5-13 cm) is longer in both infants and children and also has more abundant lymphatic tissue in early life. The wall structure is similar to the small intestine (though with no villi), nor plicae circularis. Lymph nodules surround the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract and extend from the mucosa into the submucosa.
  • B lymphocyte - (B cell, B-cell)
  • BALT - (Bronchus Associated Lymphoid Tissue) immune tissue associated with the respiratory tract.
  • band cell - (band neutrophil or stab cell) immature neutrophil seen in bone marrow smear, a cell undergoing granulopoiesis, derived from a metamyelocyte, and leading to a mature granulocyte. Also occasionally seen in circulating blood.
  • bone marrow sinusoid - endothelial cells and no supporting cells vascular space supplied by arteriole and capillary vessels, interconnected by inter-sinusoidal capillaries, spanning throughout the bone marrow. Radially distributed around the draining central sinus (about 100 µm in diameter). Bone marrow sinusoids are unique and are not comparable with regular veins.
  • cecum - (caecum, Latin, caecus = "blind") within the gastrointestinal tract a pouch that connects the ileum with the ascending colon of the large intestine.
  • cell - has a specific cell biology definition, but is often used instead of "lymphocyte" when describing B and T cells.
  • "clockface" - a term used to describe the appearance of plasma cell nuclei due to the clumping of the chromatin at the nucleus periphery. More clearly seen in tissue plasma cells that the bone marrow smear, where they are sometimes confused with the basophilic erythroblasts. Image - plasma cell
  • CD - (cluster of differentiation) identifies immunological surface markers on cells. Positive (+) generally means that the substance is expressed/identified, while negative (-) means that it is missing/not identified.
  • CD4+ - (T helper cells) refers to T lymphocytes that express CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4, a glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily) on their surface, associated with helper/inducer function. These cells can be infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • CD4/CD8 ratio - clinical measurement of different immune cell types (ratios between 1.5 to 2.5 are considered normal). Viral infections such as HIV, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and influenza virus, associated with an inversion of the ratio.
  • CD8+ - (cytotoxic T cells) refers to T lymphocytes that express CD8 (glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily) on their surface, associated with cytotoxic/suppressor activity.
  • "clockface" - a term used to describe the appearance of plasma cell nuclei due to the clumping of the chromatin at the nucleus periphery. More clearly seen in tissue plasma cells that the bone marrow smear, where they are sometimes confused with the basophilic erythroblasts.
  • cords of Billroth - spleen cellular columns located in red pulp. surrounded by splenic sinusoids. Cords contain reticular cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells and erythrocytes.
  • cortex - outer layer, used in association with medulla (innner layer or core) a general description that can be applied to describing an organ with a layered structure.
  • cortical Thymic Epithelial Cell - (cTEC, types I - IV) support and antigen presenting cells located in the cortex regions of the thymus required for positive and negative selection of maturing T cells. See also medullary epithelial cell.
  • crypt - (tonsil crypt) tonsil squamous epithelium infold, with intraepithelial passages containing non-epithelial cells. Functions include: intimate contact between immune response effector cells, facilitate transport of antigens, synthesise secretory components, and contain a pool of immunoglobulins. PMID 7559106
  • dendritic cell - (DC, antigen-presenting cell, APC) cells that present antigens and induce a primary immune response in resting naïve T lymphocytes. Originate from the same common progenitor as monocytes (PMID 20193011). In 2011 Ralph M. Steinman received half the Nobel Prize half of the award to to Ralph M. Steinman for his discovery of the dendritic cell and its role in adaptive immunity.
  • Effector cells - the immune functioning (active) B and T lymphocytes.
  • Efferent lymph - vessel carrying lymph away from a node.
  • fibroblastic reticular cell - (FRC) specialized myofibroblasts that form the structural mesenchymal network "sponge" within lymphoid tissue that regulate immune cell migration, activation, and survival. Immune T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), plasma cells and macrophages move and interact.
  • follicular dendritic cell - (FDC) in B cell follicles of secondary lymphoid organs, cells interspersed within the stromal cell network function: Primary - help B cells to cluster. Secondary - in GC long-term retention of intact antigen and support B cell survival.
  • GALT - Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue consisting of Peyer’s patches, isolated lymphoid follicles and mesenteric lymph nodes.
  • germinal centre - (GC) centre of B cell follicles of secondary lymphoid organs, where antigen-activated B-cell clones expand and undergo immunoglobulin gene hypermutation and selection.
  • haemopoiesis (hemopoiesis) formation of blood cells.
  • high endothelial venule - (HEV) the specialised post-capillary venous region that enables blood lymphocytes and pre-dendritic cells to enter a lymph node. The endothelial cells express ligands that bind lymphocytes, aiding their adhesion and subsequent transmigration into the lymph node. With inflammation, monocytes and NK cells can also enter here.
  • humoral immune response - production of antibody by plasma cells derived from B lymphocytes (B cells).
  • IEL - Intraepithelial Lymphocyte are T lymphocytes located in the gastrointestinal tract epithelium. Natural IELs (previously ‘type b’ IELs) acquire activated phenotype during development in the thymus in the presence of self antigens. Induced IELs (previously ‘type a’ IELs) progeny of conventional T cells activated post-thymically in response to peripheral antigens.
  • IgA - the main class of antibody released at mucosal surfaces and in secretions (saliva, tears, milk, and respiratory and intestinal secretions) and the most abundantly produced antibody (70%). PMID 22566964
  • IgD - the immunoglobulin B cell starts to produce as a cell-surface molecule after leaving the bone marrow.
  • IgE - bind Fc receptors (surface of mast cells in tissues and basophils in the blood) release of potent pro inflammatory molecules mediators of allergic reactions.
  • IgG - the major class of immunoglobulin in the blood.
  • IgM - the first class of antibody made by a developing B cell, which may switch to making other classes of antibody.
  • immunoglobulin - (antibody, Ab) protein produced by plasma cells.
  • immunosenescence - in ageing and disease, refers to a weaker immune responses producing a progressive deterioration and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, neoplasia, and autoimmune diseases.
  • innate lymphoid cells - (ILCs) subset of lymphocytes that lack antigen-specific receptors, are located in peripheral tissues and abundant at barrier surfaces, decrease in number with age. PMID 29924974
  • Kupffer cells - stellate macrophage cells located in the liver sinusoids, named after Karl Wilhelm von Kupffer (1829 - 1902) a German anatomist who originally identified these cells. (More? Liver Development)
  • lacteal - term used to describe the lymphatic vessels of the small intestine.
  • lamina propria - a layer of loose connective tissue found underneath an epithelium, together with the epithelium described as mucosa.
  • Langerhans cell - (LC, dendritic cell) Antigen-presenting immune cell found mainly in the basal/suprabasal layers of adult skin and mucosa. Cells lie in the basal/suprabasal layers of stratified epidermal and mucosal tissues. First in the innate antiviral immune defines and can migrate to lymph nodes and induce a T cell–mediated adaptive immune response. (More? Integumentary | Immune System Development)
  • Leukocyte - (Greek, lukos = clear, white) white blood cell.
  • lingual - related to the tongue, as in lingual tonsil, forms part of Waldeyer’s ring.
  • lymph node - connective tissue encapsulated lymphoid organ (1mm - 2cm in size), positioned in the pathway of lymph vessels. (More? Lymph Node Development)
  • lymphangion - the functional unit of a lymph vessel that lies between two semilunar (half moon-shaped) valves.
  • lymphangiogenesis - formation of new lymph vessels from pre-existing lymphatic structures. During embryogenesis and in adult tissues as reaction to inflammation or injury.
  • M cell - (microfold cell) found in the follicle-associated epithelium of the Peyer's patch. Function to transport gut lumen organisms and particles to immune cells across the epithelial barrier.
  • MALT - Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue.
  • medulla - inner layer or core, used in association with cortex (outer layer) a general description that can be applied to describing an organ with a layered structure.
  • medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell - (mTEC, types I-VII) support and antigen presenting cells located in the medullary regions of the thymus, required for central tolerance (negative selection) of maturing T cells (PMID 11375064). See also cortical thymic epithelial cell.
  • Memory Cell - effector T cell (lymphocyte)
  • Mononuclear Phagocytic System - (MPS, Lymphoreticular System, Reticuloendothelial System, RES) Consists of circulating monocytes in the peripheral blood and non-circulating (fixed) tissue macrophages (MΦ) located in tissues and organs.
  • NAVL - (naval) mnemonic to remember the neurovascular bundle components Nerve Artery Vein Lymph found travelling together within organs and tissues.
  • negative selection - T cells bearing autoreactive T cell antigen receptors (TCRs) are eliminated during their development in the thymus, protects against autoimmunity.
  • normoblast - seen in bone marrow smear, a developing erythroblast (red blood cell) that still retains a nucleus.
  • nude mice - (nu/nu) mice which are congenitally hairless and athymic, therefore they do not reject tissue and tumor grafts.
  • PALS - acronym for PeriArterial Lymphoid Sheath in the spleen white pulp.
  • parenchyma - (Greek = enkeim "to pour in") cells forming the functional cells of an organ or tissue. These cells carry out the function of the organ at a cellular level, and are not the structural cells, connective tissue, extracellular matrix (stromal).
  • periarterial lymphoid sheath - (PALS) in the spleen the white pulp that surrounds the central arteries. (T-lymphocytes,macrophages and plasma cells)
  • pharyngeal pouch III - origin of endodermal component of the thymus (also formed from neural crest). Pharyngeal arches
  • Plasma Cell - active B cell (lymphocyte) which is secreting antibody. Located in either bone marrow or peripheral lymphoid tissues, these cells have and increased cytoplasmic volume (due to increase rough endoplasmic reticulum) in comparison to the inactive (non-secreting) lymphocyte.
  • primary follicle - follicle that does not contain germinal centre, secondary follicles do germinal centre.
  • red pulp - spleen region, organized as cell cords (splenic cords, cords of Billroth) and vascular sinuses.
  • regulatory T cells - (Tregs) maintain self tolerance and suppress pathological immune responses by control of immune response to non-self antigens.
  • reticular fibres - reticular cells secrete this extracellular matrix protein, composed of type III collagen.
  • right lymphatic duct - drains most of the right upper quadrant. See also thoracic duct.
  • secondary follicle - contain germinal centre, primary follicle does not contain germinal centre.
  • sentinel lymph node - the hypothetical first lymph node or group of nodes reached by metastasizing cancer cells from a primary tumour.
  • sinus - a larger vessel or space usually curved that may contain air, blood, or lymph. e.g. splenic medullary sinus, lymph node medullary sinus, sub-capsular sinus, trabecular sinus.
  • sinusoid - a tiny vessel with a tortuous path and many connections to similar vessels. e.g. hepatic and bone marrow sinusoids.
  • splenic capillary sheaths - in spleen around capillary endothelium and consist of three main cell types: CD271+ stromal capillary sheath cells, CD68+CD163− macrophages and recirculating B-lymphocytes. Sheaths may; 1. allow interaction among sheath macrophages and B-lymphocytes, 2. attract recirculating B-lymphocytes from the open circulation of the red pulp to start migration into white pulp follicles. 30356180
  • splenic sinusoids - enlarged splenic spaces located in red pulp and surrounding cords of Billroth.
  • sphingosine-1-phosphate - (S1P) sphingolipid secreted into the extracellular space establishing a gradient acting through G protein-coupled receptors to attract lymphocytes out of lymphoid organs (lymph node, thymus, spleen) into the circulation.
  • stroma - (Greek = "a cover, table-cloth, bedding") tissue forming the framework/support of an organ or tissue. That is the structural cells which form connective tissue and secrete extracellular matrix, rather than the functional cells (parenchymal). All organs can therefore be functionally divided into these 2 components, stromal/parenchymal.
  • Subcapsular sinus (=marginal sinus) space lying under the connective tissue capsule which receives lymph from afferent lymphatic vessels.
  • T cell - (T-cell, T lymphocyte) named after thymus, where they develop, the active cell is responsible for cell-mediated immunity (killer T cells and helper T cells). Cells express T-cell receptor on surface and directly kill virally or bacterially infected cells. These cells can themselves be infected by HIV. (More? Electron micrographs of nonactivate and activated lymphocytes)
  • TEC - (Thymic Epithelial Cell) thymus support and antigen presenting cells further divided anatomically and functionally into medullary TEC (mTEC, types I-VII, for central tolerance) and cortical epithelial cell (cTEC, types I-IV, positive and negative selection) populations (see PMID 28800929 PMID 30308217).
  • T cell activation - (T lymphocyte activation)The activation process begins with T-cells searching for and encountering antigen-bearing dendritic cells within lymph nodes.
  • thoracic duct - (TD) largest and main lymphatic vessel, drains the lower body including the extremities and abdomen. Intra-thoracic tributaries include: intercostal, mediastinal, and bronchomediastinal trunks.


  • Thymic corpuscle - (Hassall's corpuscle) a mass of concentric epithelioreticular cells found in the thymus. The number present and size tend to increase with thymus age. (see classical description of Hammar, J. A. 1903 Zur Histogenese und Involution der Thymusdriise. Anat. Anz., 27: 1909 Fiinfzig Jahre Thymusforschung. Ergebn. Anat. Entwickl-gesch. 19: 1-274.)
  • thymic epitheliocytes - reticular cells located in the thymus cortex that ensheathe the cortical capillaries, creating and maintain the microenvironment necessary for the development of T-lymphocytes in the cortex.
  • T helper cells - (helper T-cells) (Th cells, CD4+) refers to T lymphocytes that when mature express CD4 (glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily) on their surface.
  • T lymphocyte - (T cell, T-cell) regulate cell-mediated immunity.
  • thymus - an immune/endocrine (thymic hormone, thymosins) organ involved in the maturation (differentiation) of T lymphocytes (T-cells).
  • tonsils - lymph nodules embedded in the mucus membranes located at the back of the mouth and top of the throat. The overlying epithelium helps identify the location.
  • tonsillitis - a common bacterial infection of the palatine tonsils, occurring mostly in children and young adults and can also become recurrent tonsillitis.
  • vermiform appendix - see appendix, anatomical region containing gut-associated lymphoid tissue located within the gastrointestinal tract at the beginning of the colon. The anatomy is as a finger-like structure that arises from the cecum. The length (2.5-13 cm) is longer in both infants and children and also has more abundant lymphatic tissue in early life. The wall structure is similar to the small intestine (though with no villi), nor plicae circularis. Lymph nodules surround the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract and extend from the mucosa into the submucosa.
  • VDJ recombination - (variable, diversity and joining gene segments) genetic recombination event that occurs in immune cell maturation in primary lymphoid organs, B cells ((bone marrow) and T cells (thymus).
  • Waldeyer’s ring - ring of lymphoid tissue in the pharyngeal wall: palatine tonsils, nasopharyngeal tonsil (adenoid) and lingual tonsil. First described in 1884 by von Waldeyer-Hartz.
  • white pulp - (Malpighian follicles, Malpighian bodies of the spleen, white nodules, splenic lymphoid nodules) spleen lymphoid region, organized as lymphoid sheaths with both T-cell and B-cell compartments, around the branching arterial vessels (resembles lymph node structure).


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Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, March 28) Embryology Thymus Development. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Thymus_Development

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