The thymus gland forms defense cells in the human body and plays an important role in the immune system. What happens when the organ is sick, you will learn from this article.
The immune system is the human body’s defense system against foreign substances and germs. Therefore, a healthy immune system is essential for fighting off pathogens. The so-called thymus gland plays an important role in this. The organ sits behind the breastbone, where it forms defense cells and eliminates maldeveloped cells.
24vita.de reveals what consequences it can have on health if the thymus gland is diseased.
The thymus gland is an important part of the so-called adaptive immune system. In contrast to the innate immune system, which represents the first immune defense and is specialized in the rapid defense against certain bacteria and viruses, the acquired immune system keeps learning new things throughout life. In this way, it can produce new immune cells and fight off countless foreign cells. The immune cells are imprinted in the thymus gland and receive their immunological memory against certain antigens. This is how white blood cells are formed, which serve the immune system: the so-called T-cells, or T-lymphocytes. Together with the B lymphocytes, which are formed in the bone marrow, they form the basis for the body’s acquired immune response.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.