Which gland can be surgically removed to cause a deficiency in T cells?

Which gland can be surgically removed to cause a deficiency in T cells?

• A. Pituitary
• B. Thymus
• C. Thyroid
• D. Parathyroid

Answer: (B)

T cell maturation occurs in the thymus. The thymus provides the environment and signals that transform thymocytes into mature T lymphocytes capable of cell‑mediated immunity. If the thymus is surgically removed, the body loses the primary site where T cells develop, leading to a deficiency of functional T cells. The other glands regulate hormones and metabolism rather than directly producing or maturing T cells, so their removal would cause broader hormonal disturbances rather than a targeted T cell deficiency. Thus, removing the thymus best explains a deficiency in T cells.

T cell maturation occurs in the thymus. The thymus provides the environment and signals that transform thymocytes into mature T lymphocytes capable of cell‑mediated immunity. If the thymus is surgically removed, the body loses the primary site where T cells develop, leading to a deficiency of functional T cells. The other glands regulate hormones and metabolism rather than directly producing or maturing T cells, so their removal would cause broader hormonal disturbances rather than a targeted T cell deficiency. Thus, removing the thymus best explains a deficiency in T cells.