ALI SHOJAEI

ZADEH
THYMUS
Thymus, pyramid-shaped lymphoid organ that, in humans, is immediately beneath the breastbone at
the level of the heart. The organ is called thymus because its shape resembles that of a thyme leaf.
The primary function of the thymus is to facilitate the maturation of lymphocytes known as T cells,
or thymus-derived cells, which determine the specificity of immune response to antigens (foreign
substances) in the body.
Unlike most other structures in the lymphatic system, the thymus grows rapidly and attains its
greatest size relative to the rest of the body during fetal life and the first years after birth.
Thereafter, it continues to grow, but more slowly than the other organs. At the onset of puberty, the
thymus begins a slow process of shrinking. This gradual diminution in size continues for the rest of
the individual’s life.
The thymus is divided into two lobes, lying on either side of the midline of the body, and into
smaller subdivisions called lobules. It is covered by a dense connective-tissue capsule, which sends
fibres into the body of the thymus for support. The thymus tissue is distinguishable into an outer
zone, the cortex, and an inner zone, the medulla
T-Cell Production
The thymus produces and trains T-cells, known as thymus-
derived lymphocytes. These cells help fight off the body's
foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. They can
also identify and attack cancer cells.

Once T-cells are produced, they undergo "positive and negative

selection" within parts of the thymus known as the cortex and
medulla. This process teaches T-cells how to identify foreign
substances or toxins and avoid harming healthy cells in the
body.

This prevents autoimmune disorders. These are medical

conditions where things go wrong, and your cells attack your
body tissues and cells instead of foreign invaders.
Hormone Production
The thymus gland produces several hormones, including:3

Thymopoietin and thymulin: These hormones are involved in

the process where T cells get turned into different types of
disease fighters.
Thymosin: This hormone boosts the immune system's response.
Thymosin also stimulates hormones that control growth.
Thymic humoral factor: These hormones increase the immune
system's response to viruses.
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 suga