T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Thymus is an encapsulated organ where T-cell differentiation and proliferation occurs behind the blood-thymus barrier.
This slide has good examples of macrophages.
Capsule - thin connective tissue surrounding the thymus that extends trabeculae inward forming incomplete lobules.
Cortex - outer darker, region of small lymphocytes.
T Lymphocytes - small nuclei of condensed chromatin.
Epithelial Reticular Cells - large cells with oval nuclei and lightly stained cytoplasm with processes. Their nuclei have euchromatin and a prominent nucleolus.
Macrophages (#1, #2 and #3) - large cells that phagocytize T cells marked for removal. Many of the macrophages contain phagocytized lymphocytes with pyknotic nuclei.
Mast Cells - round cells with oval nuclei and granules stained a bright red.
Post Capillary Venules (#1 and #2) - have a wide lumen and the endothelial nuclei bulge into the lumen. This is the site where lymphocytes exit the thymus.