The thymus gland is in the chest, between the lungs and behind the breastbone (sternum). It is just in front of, and above, the heart. The thymus makes white blood cells called T lymphocytes (also called T cells). These are an important part of the body’s immune system, which
helps us to fight infection
.
Can you live without a thymus gland?
The thymus rests on the heart and functions as a “schoolhouse” for immune cells. As cells pass through the thymus they are trained to become T cells, white blood cells that fight infection. A
person without a thymus does not produce these T cells
and, therefore, is at great risk for developing infections.
What hormones does the thymus gland produce?
The thymus produces and secretes
thymosin
, a hormone necessary for T cell development and production. The thymus is special in that, unlike most organs, it is at its largest in children. Once you reach puberty, the thymus starts to slowly shrink and become replaced by fat.
What is the function of the thymus in the endocrine system?
Thymus gland
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ recognised as having both
immune and endocrine functions
. Its major immune role is to act as the site where T lymphocytes (T cells) mature before being released into the general circulation. T cells play many diverse immune roles in specific immunity.
What foods are good for the thymus gland?
Pumpkin seeds
‘Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc,’ explains Nina Omotoso, nutritional therapist at Revital. ‘Zinc is one of the most important immune-boosting minerals, and promotes the function of the thymus gland, which controls the entire immune system.
At what age is the thymus most active?
The thymus continues to grow after the birth reaching the relative maximum size by
puberty
. It is most active in fetal and neonatal life. It increases to 20 – 50 grams by puberty. It then begins to decrease in size and activity in a process called thymic involution.
Can the thymus hurt?
Tumors in the thymus can press on nearby structures, causing symptoms such as: Shortness of breath. Cough (which may bring up bloody sputum)
Chest pain
.
What diseases or disorders affect the thymus gland?
The most common thymus diseases are
myasthenia gravis (MG), pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and hypogammaglobulinemia
, according to the NLM. Myasthenia gravis occurs when the thymus is abnormally large and produces antibodies that block or destroy the muscles’ receptor sites.
Can you make T cells without a thymus?
After puberty the thymus shrinks and T cell production declines; in adult humans, removal of the thymus does not compromise T cell function. Children born without a thymus because
of an inability to form a proper third pharyngeal pouch during
embryogenesis (DiGeorge Syndrome) were found to be deficient in T cells.
What does the thymus do in adults?
The thymus is located in the chest behind the breastbone. It plays a key role
in immunity by producing immune cells
. The organ’s primary function is maturing T cells, or T lymphocytes. These are white blood cells responsible for fighting infections.
Can you feel your thymus?
You may know when you have activated the thymus gland as you will feel a
little tingling
or a subtle feeling of ‘joy’ or ‘happiness. ‘
Can the thymus grow back?
After injury the thymus has a
remarkable capacity to regenerate itself
.
How does stress affect the thymus gland?
In the thymus, stress results
in a decrease in the size of the cortex attributed to a loss of cortical lymphocytes
, with the immature cortical lymphocytes being most affected (Zivkovic et al. 2005) .
What vitamins help the thymus gland?
The short answer is that
zinc
contributes to the normal function of your immune system by – among other things – regulating how the thymus gland produces T cells.
How do you massage the thymus gland?
The thymus gland is in middle of the chest, centered below the K-27 points. This is also called the Tarzan spot.
Massage or tap on the center of your sternum (center of chest on breast bone) for about 30 seconds
while breathing deeply in and out.
How can I improve my thymus?
Thymus dietary supplements use
extracts from calf thymus
. The supplement can also be synthetically produced. In its purified form, thymus extract is called thymomodulin. It can be found in health food stores as capsules, pills, or in liquid form.
