A two-lobed ductless gland located behind the upper pail of the sternum and extending into the neck. The fairly large in childhood but usually shrinks by adulthood. The structured like a lymph node and contains lymphatic follicles. It may play a role in immune reactions.
This lies in the upper part of the chest. The centre (cortex) resembles lymphoid tissue and is made up of masses of small round cells called thymocytes. The medulla is more loosely cellular and consists of a stroma which contains far fewer lymphocytes than in the cortex.
The thymus gland is a component of the immune system situated behind the breastbone or sternum. It features two lobes that converge in front of the windpipe, also known as the trachea. Each lobe is composed of lymphoid tissue, which includes lymphocytes (white blood cells), epithelial cells (lining cells), and fatty tissue.
The thymus gland is responsible for transforming lymphocytes into T-cells, playing a role in immune responses up until puberty. During this period, the gland progressively enlarges. After reaching puberty, the thymus begins to shrink, although some of its tissue persists into middle age.