Thymus: The Mysterious Organ Responsible for Immunity

The thymus, or thymus gland, is an organ that plays a key role in the functioning of our immune system. Interestingly, its name comes from the Greek word "thymos," which translates as "life force."

From birth, the thymus prepares the body to fight bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. At the start, it weighs only 10-12 grams, but by the time of puberty, it reaches its maximum mass of 30-40 grams. After that, it begins to decrease and lose its functions, which is called accidental involution.

The thymus and bone marrow are the primary lymphatic organs where our immune system develops. There, T-lymphocytes mature and learn to distinguish "self" from "non-self."

When pathologies associated with the thymus occur, the intervention of doctors is necessary. Endocrinologists, immunologists, and surgeons work together to treat these conditions.

One such condition is thymus aplasia or DiGeorge syndrome, characterized by underdevelopment or absence of the thymus. This leads to serious problems with the immune system, and treatment may require a bone marrow transplant or thymus tissue culture.

Knowledge about the thymus and its role in the body will help parents to monitor their children's health more closely and seek medical help in a timely manner if necessary.

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6446584/