It gradually becomes less active and eventually gets smaller and is replaced by fat tissue. The thymus also produces a hormone called thymosin that helps make and develop T cells. The thymus gland. See also Thymus gland cancer. How we can help.
After the T cells leave the thymus, thymosin ensures they undergo complete maturation. This makes them capable of performing their duties as part of the immune system and protecting the body from harm. Additionally, research indicates that thymosin and other thymic hormones inhibit aging. The thymus also makes hormones that are similar to the hormones other glands in the body produce.
They include:. The thymus contains various types of cells including epithelial and lymphatic cells. Once fully mature, they help fight :. Evidence suggests these B cells develop in the thymus and are different from B cells elsewhere in the body. They are referred to as thymic B cells. Research shows that thymic B cells aid in negative selection of lymphocytes.
This means they detect potentially harmful cells that interact too strongly with antigens, which are toxins. Although thymic B cells play an important role in maintaining healthy cells, their function is not fully understood. Researchers are further investigating how they work.
Usually, the thymus is largest in babies and young children. However, some preterm newborns may have a small thymus. This can increase their risk of infections. When people age, their thymus atrophies, or decreases in size. This raises their likelihood of developing:. The thymus may develop two types of cancer: thymoma and thymic carcinoma. They are both rare forms of cancer, and they grow in the cells covering the thymus.
The thymus serves a vital role in the training and development of T-lymphocytes or T cells, an extremely important type of white blood cell. T cells defend the body from potentially deadly pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The thymus is a soft, roughly triangular organ located in the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity anterior and superior to the heart and posterior to the sternum.
The function of the thymus is to receive immature T cells that are produced in the red bone marrow and train them into functional, mature T cells that attack only foreign cells.
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The thymus gland. Frequently Asked Questions What is the function of the thymus gland? Where is the thymus gland located? What are the symptoms of thymus cancer? The Role of T-Cells in Cancer. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.
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