Question

Hassall corpuscles are characteristic of
A. Thymus
B. Adrenal
C. Pineal
D. Pancreas

Answer 1

Hint: Hassall’s corpuscles were first described by the English microscopist Arthur Hill Hassall in 1846.

Complete Answer:
1. Thymus – Thymus is a primary lymphoid organ of the immune system. Within the thymus, T cells mature.
2. Adrenal – Adrenal glands are also known as the suprarenal glands. They are the endocrine glands that are located above the kidneys. They help in the production of emergency hormone, i.e. Adrenaline.
3. Pineal – Pineal gland is a small and pea shaped gland. It is found in the brain. It produces and regulates some hormones such as melatonin which play a role in regulating sleep patterns.
4. Pancreas – Pancreas is an organ that is located in the stomach. Pancreas can act as endocrine gland as well as exocrine gland. It plays a major role in converting the food we eat into the fuel for our body's cells.

Hassall Corpuscles: Hassall’s corpuscles are also known as the thymic corpuscles.
- These are the structures found in the medullary region of the human thymus.
- These corpuscles are formed from eosinophilic type VI epithelial reticular cells and these cells are arranged concentrically.
- These concentric cells are composed of a central mass, one or more granular cells and a capsule which is formed by epithelioid cells. These corpuscles can be spheroid or oval.
- They contain keratohyalin and bundles of cytoplasmic fibres.
- Hassall’s corpuscles are the source of cytokine TSLP, TSLP directs the maturation of dendritic cells.
So, it has been clear from the above discussion that Hassall’s corpuscles are the characteristic of Thymus.

Hence, option A is the correct answer for this question.

Note: Hassall’s corpuscles are used as diagnostic features for identifying human thymus. They are still present in thymuses even after undergoing degeneration in young adults.