The Thymus Gland

The thymus is an endocrine gland located in the upper chest, near the throat. It is the infection-fighting endocrine gland of the immune system. The thymus produces hormones and chemicals that fortify and strengthen the body’s immunity. It regulates the body’s immunity by stimulating the production of white blood cells. The gland plays a significant role in the establishment and development of the immune system during gestation until puberty. The thymus gradually shrinks after puberty, thus, its functions diminish in adults. Shrinkage of the thymus is a biomarker of aging. The thymus is believed to control the maturation of T lymphocytes by an endocrine mechanism. It produces thymosin and other hormones which stimulate the maturation of T cells involved in cell-mediated immunity. In addition to T cell activation, thymus gland hormones are also involved in producing immune signaling molecules such as interferon, interleukin, and colony stimulating factor. These immune molecules, otherwise known as lymphokines, promote the proliferation and activation of white blood cells which protects the human body against invading bacteria, viruses, and germs which may cause harm to humans. Hormones produced by the thymus can also prevent tissue wasting which often accompanies diseases like AIDS, can reduce autoimmune reactions, observed in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, and can increase the number of disease-fighting antibodies in our immune system. Overall, the main function of the thymus gland is to normalize, enhance, restore, and balance the immunity of the human body. Disorders of the thymus can affect its immune-surveillance role. An individual with a defective thymus gland is prone to getting sick regularly. The person may likely suffer from allergies and may be vulnerable to cancer. Known thymus disorders include thymoma (cancer of the thymus) and congenital athyma (absence of thymus).