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Does thyroid affect thymus?
In vitro experiments, with thymic whole-organ cultures, have demonstrated that thyroid hormones exert their action on the epithelial cells of the thymus deputed to synthesize and secrete thymic peptides and that such an effect does not seem to depend on the known permissive action of thyroid hormones.
What does your thymus do?
The thymus gland is in the chest, between the lungs and behind the breastbone (sternum). It is just in front of, and above, the heart. The thymus makes white blood cells called T lymphocytes (also called T cells). These are an important part of the body’s immune system, which helps us to fight infection.
Can you live without thymus?
The thymus rests on the heart and functions as a “schoolhouse” for immune cells. As cells pass through the thymus they are trained to become T cells, white blood cells that fight infection. A person without a thymus does not produce these T cells and, therefore, is at great risk for developing infections.
Why are the thymus and thyroid gland considered to be endocrine glands?
Unlike exocrine glands (which produce substances such as saliva, milk, stomach acid and digestive enzymes), endocrine glands do not secrete substances into ducts (tubes). Instead, endocrine glands secrete their hormones directly into the surrounding extra cellular space.
How important is the thymus gland in keeping your body from disease?
The thymus serves a vital role in the training and development of T-lymphocytes or T cells, an extremely important type of white blood cell. T cells defend the body from potentially deadly pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
How does stress affect the thymus gland?
In the thymus, stress results in a decrease in the size of the cortex attributed to a loss of cortical lymphocytes, with the immature cortical lymphocytes being most affected (Zivkovic et al. 2005) .
What type of doctor treats thymus gland?
Who treats thymus cancer? Your health care team may include: Thoracic surgeon: a surgeon who specializes in chest surgery. Radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy.