The thymus is located in the chest, behind thesternum(breastbone).
These cells find and destroy pathogens like bacteria circulating in the bloodstream.
Although the thymus is sometimes called a gland, it is not structured like one.
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It should not be confused with thethyroid gland, which is located in the neck.
It resides between the sternum and theaortic arch.
The thymus measures approximately 1 to 2 inches wide by one-half inch thick at birth.
The organ grows in size throughout childhood until it begins to shrink in adolescence.
Thymus Anatomy
The thymus is encapsulated by a wall made of collagen-throw in tissue.
These cells are called T cells because they are primarily produced in the thymus.
T cells come in several varieties that perform various roles in the immune response.
Many adults who undergo thymus removal can live well without the gland.
Conditions affecting the thymus are rare, although two types of cancer can affect the thymus.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, pain in the chest, muscle weakness, and cough.
See a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about symptoms like these.
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