Question

Immune response of old persons are weak because (a) Thymus is degenerated in old individual (b) Thymus production decreases (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these

Short answer

The correct answer is (c) Both (a) and (b).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Role of Thymus

Thymus plays a crucial role in developing a type of white blood cell called T-cells that help the body fight off diseases and infections. However, thymus starts to shrink after puberty and continues to do so as a person ages. This is called thymus degeneration. During this process, it produces fewer T cells.

Relate Thymus Changes to Immune Response

As the production of T cells decreases due to thymus degeneration and less production in older individuals, it becomes difficult for the body to deal with new infections and diseases. Hence, the immune response becomes weak in old individuals.

Choose the Correct Answer

Using the information above, we infer that the immune response of old persons is weak because thymus degenerates in old individuals and its production decreases. Hence, the correct answer is (c) Both (a) and (b).

Key concepts

Understanding the Thymus

The thymus is a small but mighty gland located behind your sternum and between your lungs. It is most known for its vital role in developing a robust immune system, especially during childhood. The thymus produces T-cells, which are a specific type of white blood cell that is crucial for the immune response.

• The thymus is like a school for T-cells, educating them to distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign invaders.
• Healthy T-cells protect the body by attacking and destroying infected or cancerous cells.

The interesting thing about the thymus is that it starts to shrink after puberty. This shrinking process is known as thymic involution. Over time, as the thymus gets smaller, its ability to produce new T-cells declines. This is why the thymus plays a less pronounced role in immune function as we age.

The Role of T-cells in Immunity

T-cells are an integral part of the immune system. They are like the body's defense force, always on the lookout for potential threats such as bacteria, viruses, or even tumors. T-cells have a variety of functions:

• They help recognize and remember pathogens they've encountered before, providing the body with a quicker response upon re-exposure.
• T-cells can kill infected host cells directly, preventing the spread of infection.

When the thymus produces fewer T-cells, as happens with aging, the body's ability to fight new infections becomes compromised. Fewer T-cells mean fewer soldiers to guard and attack pathogens, which weakens the immune system over time. Especially when faced with new pathogens, the body might struggle to mount a rapid and effective immune response.

Aging and Immunity

Aging naturally affects the immune system, making it less effective in protecting the body. As people age, several changes happen, including thymic involution, which leads to decreased T-cell production. This affects the overall immune response:

• The immune system becomes less efficient in recognizing and responding to new infections.
• Older adults are more susceptible to illnesses, as their bodies take longer to recover from infections.
• Vaccinations might be less effective, and the risk of autoimmune diseases can increase.

These changes mean that the immune system of older adults is generally weaker, making them more prone to illness. Understanding these processes highlights the importance of healthy lifestyles and timely medical interventions to help maintain immune function into old age.