11 The function(s) of the thymus is/are

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1. **T-cell Maturation**  
   The thymus is the primary site where immature T-cells, called thymocytes, undergo maturation into functionally competent T-lymphocytes. This involves the differentiation of thymocytes into various subtypes of T-cells.

2. **Positive and Negative Selection for Self-Tolerance**  
   Within the thymus, thymocytes undergo two crucial selection processes:  
   - **Positive Selection:** Ensures that T-cells can recognize self-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules.  
   - **Negative Selection:** Eliminates T-cells that react too strongly to self-antigens, thereby contributing to immunological self-tolerance. This process can be summarized as:  
     $$
     \text{T-cell fate} = \begin{cases}
     \text{Survival} & \text{if interaction with MHC is moderate} \
     \text{Apoptosis} & \text{if interaction is too weak or too strong} \
     \end{cases}
     $$

3. **Production of Thymic Hormones**  
   The thymus secretes several hormones, such as thymosin, which assist in the development and differentiation of T-cells.

Thus, the functions of the thymus include the maturation of T-cells, the establishment of immunological self-tolerance through positive and negative selection, and the secretion of hormones that support immune cell development.
The thymus helps in making T-cells mature, ensures they recognize the body's own cells without attacking them, and produces hormones that support the development of these immune cells.

11 The function(s) of the thymus is/are

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