The thymus is a specialized primary lymphoid organ of the immune system. source
The thymus is a specialized primary lymphoid organ of the immune system.
Within the thymus, T cells or T lymphocytes mature. source
Within the thymus, T cells or T lymphocytes mature.
The thymus is composed of two identical lobes and is located anatomically in the anterior superior mediastinum, in front of the heart and behind the sternum. source
The thymus is composed of two identical lobes and is located anatomically in the anterior superior mediastinum, in front of the heart and behind the sternum.
Histologically, each lobe of the thymus can be divided into a central medulla and a peripheral cortex which is surrounded by an outer capsule. source
Histologically, each lobe of the thymus can be divided into a central medulla and a peripheral cortex which is surrounded by an outer capsule.
Cells in the thymus can be divided into thymic stromal cells and cells of hematopoietic origin . source
Cells in the thymus can be divided into thymic stromal cells and cells of hematopoietic origin .
Developing T-cells are referred to as thymocytes and are of hematopoietic origin. source
Developing T-cells are referred to as thymocytes and are of hematopoietic origin.
Stromal cells include epithelial cells of the thymic cortex and medulla, and dendritic cells. source
Stromal cells include epithelial cells of the thymic cortex and medulla, and dendritic cells.
The thymus provides an inductive environment for development of T cells from hematopoietic progenitor cells. source
The thymus provides an inductive environment for development of T cells from hematopoietic progenitor cells.
Thymic stromal cells allow for the selection of a functional and self-tolerant T cell repertoire. source
Thymic stromal cells allow for the selection of a functional and self-tolerant T cell repertoire.
The thymus is largest and most active during the neonatal and pre-adolescent periods. source
The thymus is largest and most active during the neonatal and pre-adolescent periods.
By the early teens, the thymus begins to atrophy and thymic stroma is mostly replaced by adipose (fat) tissue. source
By the early teens, the thymus begins to atrophy and thymic stroma is mostly replaced by adipose (fat) tissue.
The thymus is of a pinkish-gray color, soft, and lobulated on its surfaces. source
The thymus is of a pinkish-gray color, soft, and lobulated on its surfaces.
The thymus reaches maximum weight (20 to 37 grams) by the time of puberty. source
The thymus reaches maximum weight (20 to 37 grams) by the time of puberty.
As one ages the thymus slowly shrinks, eventually degenerating into tiny islands of fatty tissue. source
As one ages the thymus slowly shrinks, eventually degenerating into tiny islands of fatty tissue.
By the age of 75 years, the thymus weighs only 6 grams. In children the thymus is grayish-pink in colour and in adults it is yellow. source
By the age of 75 years, the thymus weighs only 6 grams. In children the thymus is grayish-pink in colour and in adults it is yellow.
Two primary forms of tumours originate in the thymus. source
Two primary forms of tumours originate in the thymus.
