Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFunctionTypes of Thymus CellsDisorders
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Function
Types of Thymus Cells
Disorders
The thymus gland, located behind the breastbone and between the lungs, plays a vital role in the immune system. This small organ makes white blood cells, called T-cells, and is important in fighting off infection. It also plays a messaging role in the endocrine system.
Your thymus is most active in your younger years. Certain conditions, as well as advancing age, can lead to thymus-related health issues.
The thymus gland is usually located behind the breastbone, in front of the heart and between the lungs. In some people, though, this organ is found in the neck or upper chest.
Up through puberty, your thymus gland is very active. Then it starts to shrink slowly. Some researchers believe the shrinking of the thymus may be what triggers the aging process. That’s why aging often means getting sick more and responding to vaccines less.
The thymus serves both the immune and endocrine systems, with a role in the following:
The thymus gland also makes small amounts of hormones produced in other areas of the body. These include melatonin, which helps you sleep, and insulin, which helps control your blood sugar.
The thymus gland.
Inside the thymus gland, there are many different cells:
Many conditions can affect the thymus gland, ranging from genetic disorders to cancers in older adults. These can lead to problems with immunity and autoimmunity.
These conditions include:
Symptoms of Thymus Cancer
Sometimes persons with thymomas can develop other immune conditions. These include:
Can You Live Without a Thymus Gland?Surgically removing the thymus (thymectomy) is sometimes required to treat certain conditions, such as thymic tumors or myasthenia gravis. It is possible for people to live without a thymus.However, studies have linked removing the thymus in infants to an increased risk of infections and autoimmune disorders.Adults who undergo this procedure are often less affected.
Can You Live Without a Thymus Gland?
Surgically removing the thymus (thymectomy) is sometimes required to treat certain conditions, such as thymic tumors or myasthenia gravis. It is possible for people to live without a thymus.However, studies have linked removing the thymus in infants to an increased risk of infections and autoimmune disorders.Adults who undergo this procedure are often less affected.
Surgically removing the thymus (thymectomy) is sometimes required to treat certain conditions, such as thymic tumors or myasthenia gravis. It is possible for people to live without a thymus.
However, studies have linked removing the thymus in infants to an increased risk of infections and autoimmune disorders.Adults who undergo this procedure are often less affected.
Summary
The thymus gland plays a vital role in training the immune system to protect the body against infections, even cancer. It fosters the growth and development of T-cells, a type of white blood cell that can help fight against infection and foreign invaders.
Conditions that affect the thymus gland can lead to problems with immunity and autoimmunity. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms related to your thymus, reach out to your healthcare provider right away.
16 Sources
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