Removal or absence of thymus in early life shall bring about

Options

A. Lack of lymphocytes
B. Lack of antibodies
C. Lack of lymph nodes
D. All the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Thymus Function**: The thymus is a specialized organ in the immune system that plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of T-lymphocytes (T-cells), which are essential for the adaptive immune response.

2. **Impact of Thymus Removal**: If the thymus is removed or absent during early life, the body will not be able to produce or mature T-lymphocytes effectively. This is because the thymus is the primary site for T-cell maturation.

3. **Consequences of Lack of T-Lymphocytes**: The absence of T-lymphocytes leads to a weakened immune response. T-cells are vital for recognizing and responding to pathogens, so their absence means the body is less equipped to fight infections.

4. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option A: Lack of lymphocytes** - This is correct because T-lymphocytes will not be produced without the thymus.
- **Option B: Lack of antibodies** - This is incorrect. Antibodies are produced by B-lymphocytes, which are not directly affected by the thymus.
- **Option C: Lack of lymph nodes** - This is also incorrect. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and are not directly impacted by the presence or absence of the thymus.
- **Option D: All the above** - This is incorrect since only the lack of lymphocytes is a direct consequence of thymus removal.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is **Option A: Lack of lymphocytes**.