A gland that forms part of the immune system. The thymus lies behind the sternum and consists of 2 lobes that join in front of the trachea. Each lobe is made of lymphoid tissue consisting of lymphocytes, epithelium, and fat. The thymus conditions lymphocytes to become T-cells. It plays a part in the immune response until puberty, gradually enlarging during this time. After puberty, it shrinks, but some glandular tissue remains until middle-age.
Thymus |
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