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).

类型 Gland
身体系统 Lymphatic/Immune
身体区域 Thorax
拉丁名称 Thymus
FMA ID 9607

功能

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.

临床意义

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).

下级结构

cervical thymus Organ thoracic thymus Organ

常见问题

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.

相关结构

haemal node hemal node trabecula of spleen spleen trabeculum bone marrow medulla of bone reticuloendothelial system lymphoreticular hilum of spleen hilum lymphoid tissue lymphatic tissue lymphoid system lymphatic circulatory system red bone marrow medulla ossium rubra

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