Thymus gland in adults

In the human body there is a large number of glands producing substances that are necessary for its normal functioning. One of them is the thymus gland. In adults, it reaches a weight of thirty grams. The thymus gland has other names, for example, the thymus. In general, it is considered the central body for the formation of human immunity. The thymus gland in adults is located behind the sternum. It consists of the right and left lobes, which are joined together by loose fiber. It should be noted that the thymus gland begins to form earlier and faster than other organs of our immune system. In addition, her weight in a newborn baby reaches thirteen grams. However, in the future, the thymus is replaced by ninety percent by fatty tissue. Most often, the period of active growth of the human body coincides with the activity of the thymus gland.

Thymus is involved in two types of immune response in the human body. It is a question of humoral and cellular type reactions. In the first case, thymus gland in adults takes part in the production of antibodies, in the second - in the process of rejection of various kinds of grafts. As for the production of specific antibodies, B-lymphocytes are responsible for this, for the reaction of rejection of foreign tissue by T-lymphocytes. In both cases, these bodies are formed as a result of changes and transformations of bone marrow cells. The hormones that produce the thymus gland in adults and children turn a stem cell into thymocytes. They in turn fall into the lymph nodes or spleen. As a result, thymocytes are transformed and become T-lymphocytes. In B-lymphocytes, stem cells are transformed, according to most experts, directly into the bone marrow itself.

In addition to the fact that the thymus is involved in the transformation of bone marrow cells, thymopoietin and thymosin are constantly produced in this gland, which are hormones that play a major role in the immune responses of our body.

There are many violations of the functions of this body. There are also such children, who do not have a thymus gland. Symptoms that indicate a lack of functioning of the body, it is nothing less than a reduction in the resistance of the human body to any infectious diseases. Other characteristics can be included here. For example, abnormalities in breathing, fatigue of the muscles, heaviness of the eyelids, the appearance of tumors. In addition, in this situation, violations directly in the immunity at the cellular level. In addition, autoimmune diseases can develop that are diseases in which the body destroys its own cells, because the immune system can not recognize them and distinguish them from the virus and foreign cells, for example.

Impaired functions of the thymus may be not only innate, but also acquired character. Sometimes there is a lesion of the thymus gland, its tissues( radioactive rays).However, in most cases, the causes of violations of the functions of this body can not be established.

If the thymus gland is enlarged, which is characteristic of newborn babies, we can talk about the presence of timomenia. To this often lead to any childhood ailments, external factors. It is worth noting that this disease is considered genetic. Its development can be affected by infection of the mother during pregnancy, nephropathy. The specialist will easily determine the enlarged fork in the baby for some symptoms. For example, in a similar situation most often observed swelling of the tonsils, adenoids, an increase in lymph nodes. You can make an X-ray, which will immediately notice an enlarged thymus.

Functional disorders of the organ described to date have been successfully treated. Sometimes you need to remove the thymus. However, in addition, the doctor can prescribe special medications. In any case, the sick person is most often isolated, in order to reduce the risk of infection. If you notice that you become sick more often, and the disease( infectious) lasts longer, contact your doctor. He will prescribe a test and select the most appropriate course of treatment.