WORKSHOP IN HISTOLOGY, CYTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY - 2016

Chapter 5. SPECIAL HISTOLOGY

Organs of Hematopoiesis and Immune Defense

Slide 83. Thymus.

Stain: hematoxylin and eosin.

Magnification: x400.

At low magnification, the capsule (1) of the Thymus and Connective Tissue septa (2) extending from it deep into the organ, dividing it into distinct lobules, are easily visible. Each thymic lobule (3) — the Structural and functional unit of the organ — features a cortex (4) and a medulla (5). The framework of the lobule is formed by a network of stellate epithelioreticulocytes, interspaced with A large number of lymphocytes (thymocytes) (6) and fewer macrophages. The cortex is densely packed with lymphocytes, which accounts for its intense purple coloration. The medulla is lighter in appearance and contains lymphocytes (6), macrophages (7), epithelioreticulocytes (stellate Cells) (8), and their acidophilic concentric lamellar structures known as Hassall's corpuscles (9). The inset shows a high-magnification view of a slide fragment.

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Slide 83. Thymus.



Last update: 07/08/2026

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