PATHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -How big is the thymus gland? The thymus gland is quite big in babies and children. It reaches its biggest weight of about 1 ounce during puberty. After puberty, it begins to shrink, and in older adults, it’s rather small.

Detailed explanation-2: -The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ responsible for the production of immunocompetent T cells and, with aging, it atrophies and declines in functions.

Detailed explanation-3: -The thymus is largest and most active during the neonatal and pre-adolescent periods. By the early teens, the thymus begins to decrease in size and activity and the tissue of the thymus is gradually replaced by fatty tissue. Nevertheless, some T cell development continues throughout adult life.

Detailed explanation-4: -The thymus gland grows to its largest size during childhood and makes all the T cells we need before we become teenagers. After this, it gradually gets smaller, becomes less active and is replaced by fatty tissue. The thymus also produces a hormone called thymosin that helps make and develop T cells.

Detailed explanation-5: -The thymus is a vital yet unusual organ. Vital in that it is responsible for producing immune cells; unusual in that it is largest at childhood and progressively shrinks after puberty. The result is less T cell production, which should lead to a higher risk of infection or cancer.