| Thymus gland | |||||
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The thymus gland acts as both an endocrine tissue and as part of the lympatic system (and the immune system).
The thymus gland is located in the upper chest area just behind the sternum (breast bone), above the heart, so it is well protected.
The thymus functions as a endocrine tissue and secretes the following hormone:
- Thymosin - this hormone functions to control and maintain the levels of specific lymphocytes (white blood cells) that are part of the immune system
In addition to this, the thymus also functions as lymphatic tissue and has the following action:
- Allows the maturation and functionality of the T cells (these are special immune cells used to defend the body against illness and infection)
The thymus is quite large in new-born babies, as it provides a lot of their immunity, but decreases in size as people age. By the time most people are in their 40's and 50's, the thymus is quite reduced in size and may not even function much.
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- The T cells travel from the bone marrow to the thymus gland to mature
- The thymus gland is incubator-like for the T cells, to mature them so that they are able to be released and start their defence of the body
- The thymus gland contains macrophages (white blood cells that ingest foreign invaders) which destroy any T cells that are not fully functional and effective
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Why the thymus gland is important
The thymus gland is essential for a proper functioning immune system, both in babies and children, as well as in adults as it is in the thymus gland that the T cells, the important cells of the immune system are matured to fully functional ability.
Research suggests that antioxidants may play a part in stimulating the thymus gland well into old age, to keep on maturing the T cells and ensure immunity works well against foreign pathogens.
references
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Sapin MR, Tkachuk MG. Thymus recovery after intensive physical exercise under conditions of immunocorrection and without it. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2005 Nov;140(5):568-70
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the the following web sites:
- Regrowing the Thymus Gland - Catalyst, ABC (Australia)
