2007-03-18 06:54:53 · 2 answers · asked by ~Bruce~_~Bruce~ 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
It is the location of maturation of selection of T-cells. (the T stands for thymus) We are born with millions of different T cells, and some are autoreactive, so these are killed or inactivated before they are released into the circulation to prevent autoimmunity.
The thymus gland is much larger in children than in adults, as it has a much greater function in childhood. If a child is born without a thymus, they usually have compromised immune systems until the age of aroud five, when other mechanisms compensate, although what these are has not been demonstrated yet. This is known as DiGeorge's syndrome.
2007-03-18 07:13:31 · answer #1 · answered by Troy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's where certain types of white blood cells stop to further mature. It is more useful when you are younger then older and is located in the front part of your upper chest. It can actually atrophy on it's own as you get older.
2007-03-18 14:01:35 · answer #2 · answered by Daniel B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋