Thymus gland function

Thymus Gland

The endocrine gland called thymus gland is placed in the neck area and it isresponsible for the manufacturing of T lymphocytes or T cells. We will get morefamiliar with this gland in the following text. This gland has a shape of abutterfly and it is a part of the human immune system. The human body has manyglands but this is one of the most important ones. The location where it is placedis under the breast bone or sternum, or in the upper thoracic area. Thispinkish gray gland has two lobes, which are located in a capsule and called thymic lobules. There areperipheral cortex and central modulla, which are two parts of the thymus. Theadults have smaller thymus when compared to the newborns. This gland evolves andstarts to shrink during the puberty. In older people, this gland is verysmall in size.

Functions

This gland is very active among children and it is one of the vital factors forthe creation of the healthy immune system. The T cells are produced by the thymusgland, which is its most important function. Leukocytes, which are white bloodcells, are also called lymphocytes and they leave the thymus gland when theblood cells mature and they go to the lymph nodes and the spleen. After this isdone, new T cells will be manufactured. Viruses, bacteria and other foreignagainst attack the body and antibodies provide protection against them. Thisprotection is greatly influenced by the immune system, whose parts are whiteblood cells. Organs can wear and tear and these cells can look after thisprocess. Also, the T cells will help with the proper functioning of the bodysystems. The abnormal growth of the cells can be prevented and the cancerprevention is possible as well. The T cells go to the thymus gland from the bone marrow andthey are homed there until they become active. Then, they become active andreach maturity. Once this happens, they will reach the blood stream and go tothe various organs to give protection against many diseases.

Thymosin is ahormone produced by the thymus gland, which is responsible for the stimulationof T cells in other body organs and which helps them to mature earlier. The hormonethymopoietin is a hormone that is also stimulated by the thymus gland. This isa protein found in the messenger RNA and the TMPO gene is responsible for itsencoding.In cases when the thymus gland becomes underactive, a person will easierdevelop allergies and infections, which have the tendency to be chronic. Also,there are immunodeficiency diseases that can occur due to the deficiency of Tcells. Such diseases will develop depression, glands swelling, sore throat,throat puffiness and extreme sweating. The growth of the thymus gland can beimpaired by the protein deficiency and malnutrition during early stages of alife. So be sure to give your child the nutrients he or she needs from thediet.