Thymic

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Thymic refers to anything related to the thymus, an organ that is part of the lymphatic system and the endocrine system. It is located in the chest, just above the heart. The thymus is a critical component of the body's immune system. It produces T-cells, a type of white blood cell that protects the body from potentially harmful infections and diseases.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The thymus is a soft, pinkish-gray organ that is located in the chest, just above the heart. It is divided into two lobes, each of which is made up of numerous smaller lobules. The lobules are filled with lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is produced in the bone marrow but matures in the thymus.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the thymus is to produce and mature T-cells. These cells are a critical component of the adaptive immune system, which learns to recognize and respond to potentially harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The thymus also produces a number of hormones, including thymosin, thymopoietin, and thymulin, which regulate immune function.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

The thymus is involved in several diseases and disorders. For example, myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that is often associated with thymic tumors. In addition, DiGeorge syndrome is a genetic disorder that results in poor development of the thymus, leading to reduced immune function.

See also[edit | edit source]

Thymic Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD