Page 450 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

gradually replaced by loose connective tissue (10) and adipose cells (7, 11). The

thymus gland depicted in this illustration exhibits adipose tissue accumulation
and signs of involution associated with aging.

FIGURE 11.10 ■ Thymus gland (panoramic view). Stain: hematoxylin and

eosin. Low magnification.

FIGURE 11.11 | Thymus Gland (Sectional View)

A small section of the cortex and medulla of a thymus gland lobule is illustrated

at a higher magnification. The thymic lymphocytes in the cortex (1, 5) form
dense aggregations. In contrast, the medulla (3) contains only a few
lymphocytes but more epithelial reticular cells (7, 10).

The thymic (Hassall) corpuscles (8, 9) are oval structures consisting of

round or spherical aggregations (whorls) of flattened epithelial cells. The thymic
corpuscles also exhibit calcification or degeneration centers (9) that stain pink
or eosinophilic. Blood vessels (6) and adipose cells (4) are present in both the
thymic lobules and in a connective tissue trabecula (2).

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