The thymus is an mammalian organ which is located in the center of the chest behind the sternum, or breastbone. It is gray in color and has two lobes. It is in the thymus where lymphocytes multiply, mature and become immunocompetent T-cells (white blood cells which help fight infections and remove abnormal cells). http://www.acm.uiuc.edu/sigbio/project/updated-lymphatic/lymph5.html http://www.umm.edu/endocrin/anatomy.htmThe thymus produces the hormones hymopoietin and thymosin which regulate T cell maturation. The process of T cell regulation in the thymus is called thymopoeisis. T-cells are important in the immune response to fight pathogen invasion of the body. http://www.biology.emory.edu/Antia/ayates/publications/Bains_JI_2009.pdf
The thymus size and function peaks at puberty and declines thereafter with age. Sometimes people are born without a thymus or it can become nonfunctional in newborns. In this case, there is no T-cell production and there is immune deficiency. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5775 http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/B/B_and_Tcells.html
This web site features fast facts and more information about the thymus, including the use of Human Growth Hormone therapy for improving thymus function, a photo of the thymus location and internal anatomy and function, and a featured video on the thymus tap, a simple exercise you can do daily to help improve the function of the thymus and loosen up feelings of constriction in the middle chest.
Improving the Function of the Thymus in Aging Patients
Human Growth Hormone therapy has been shown to boost factors related to improved T-cell function in the thymus. This effect has been observed in adults with AGHD, or adult growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone treatment withdrawal decreases the thymic T cell output as well as T cell proliferation. http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0005668#abstract0
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have this disease, please consult your doctor.
Location of the Thymus and a Cross-Section
This photo shows the location of the thymus behind the sternum. A close up view of the organ is also shown. There are two distinct compartments of the thymus, the outer cortex and the inner medulla. Both of these locations have a high number of lymphocytes, which are called thymocytes while within the thymus). Most of the lymphocyes in the cortex are immature and thus cannot perform immune system function. The mature cells are in the highest numbers in the medulla.
Learning the Thymus Tap for Improved Health
Craig Brockie demonstrates the thymus tap, a simple procedure for improving your immune system function and helping you with overcoming stress. This method has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and it only takes a few minutes to do. Try it and see how it works for you. It can loosen up congested feelings in the chest and help you be more heart aware.
References
Fast Facts
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Structure
Each of the many lobules, has an outer cortex and an inner medulla, lobules are separated by septa
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Function
Site for maturation of lymphocytes
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Disorders
Immune deficiency is associated with inadequate function; age-associated thymic atrophyhttp://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/home_pages/crimando/BIO202/jcalc23.htm
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Named after
Thymus, or thyme, because of its structural similarity to the herb
