Thymus

Thymus

A bilobed organ located in the anterior superior mediastinum, posterior to the sternum and anterior to the great vessels. It is largest during puberty (30-40g) and gradually involutes with age, being replaced by adipose tissue. Each lobe has a cortex (dense with immature T cells) and medulla (Hassall's corpuscles).

Type Gland
Body System Lymphatic/Immune
Body Region Thorax
Latin Name Thymus
FMA ID 9607

Function

The primary lymphoid organ responsible for T-lymphocyte maturation and selection. T cells develop from bone marrow precursors and undergo positive and negative selection in the thymus to become immunocompetent while avoiding autoimmunity.

Clinical Significance

Myasthenia gravis is associated with thymic hyperplasia or thymoma; thymectomy can be therapeutic. DiGeorge syndrome involves thymic aplasia and severe T cell immunodeficiency. The thymus involutes with age, contributing to age-related immune decline (immunosenescence).

Sub-structures

cervical thymus Organ thoracic thymus Organ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thymus?
A bilobed organ located in the anterior superior mediastinum, posterior to the sternum and anterior to the great vessels. It is largest during puberty (30-40g) and gradually involutes with age, being replaced by adipose tissue. Each lobe has a cortex (dense with immature T cells) and medulla (Hassal
What is the function of the Thymus?
The primary lymphoid organ responsible for T-lymphocyte maturation and selection. T cells develop from bone marrow precursors and undergo positive and negative selection in the thymus to become immunocompetent while avoiding autoimmunity.
What body system is the Thymus part of?
The Thymus is part of the Lymphatic/Immune.
What conditions affect the Thymus?
Myasthenia gravis is associated with thymic hyperplasia or thymoma; thymectomy can be therapeutic. DiGeorge syndrome involves thymic aplasia and severe T cell immunodeficiency. The thymus involutes with age, contributing to age-related immune decline (immunosenescence).
Where is the Thymus located?
The Thymus is located in the Thorax region of the body.

Related Structures

arthropod hepatopancreas crustacean digestive gland bone marrow medulla of bone dorsal patch of Leydig's organ epigonal organ subgonal organ haemal node hemal node hematopoietic tissue bone marrow tissue hilum of spleen hilum immune organ immune system organ

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.