The thymus plays a crucial role in T-cell differentiation and provides an excellent developmental model for the study of both molecular and cellular aspects. This book provides a concise account of the structure and function of the thymus at all stages of development.

The thymus plays a crucial role in T-cell differentiation and provides an excellent developmental model for the study of both molecular and cellular aspects. This book provides a concise account of the structure and function of the thymus at all stages of development, from fetus to adult. Thymocyte populations and dynamics, development of the T-cell repertoire, and the thymic microenvironment (including nurse cells and thymic hormones) are all covered and an overview of the importance of recent developments is given.