Thymus: Learn about the thymus

Learn about the thymus , a primary lymphoid organ that produces T cells for the immune system. Find out its location, structure, blood supply, lymphatics, nerve supply, histology and function. Introduction The thymus gland is situated beneath your lungs and behind your sternum; it is active until adolescence. The major lymphoid organ for T cell formation and maturation, the thymus , delivers immunological surveillance on tumor cells, immune tolerance to self-antigens, and immune protection against foreign antigens. The thymus gland is not kept active for the course of a person’s life, but when it does, it plays an important function in assisting the body in responding against ... The thymus gland is an important organ of the lymphatic system located in the chest behind the breastbone. It plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of immune cells known as T cells, which are essential for the body's immune response. The thymus gland is most active during childhood and gradually diminishes in size and function after puberty. thymus , pyramid-shaped lymphoid organ that, in humans, is immediately beneath the sternum (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 ...