What is the function of thymus gland?
The thymus gland is in the chest between the lungs. It makes white blood cells (T lymphocytes) which are part of the immune system and help fight infection.
What is medulla of thymus?
The medulla of the thymus contains T-lymphocytes and increased numbers of epithelial cells with pale-staining nuclei. The epithelial cells provide structural support to the medulla and negatively select self-reactive T-cells to generate tolerance against self-antigens.
How do you treat an enlarged thymus?
Thymic hyperplasia by itself does not require any treatment, but the associated conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, may. In patients with MG and thymic hyperplasia, we will probably recommend surgery to remove the thymus gland.
What is thymus disease?
The most common thymus diseases are myasthenia gravis (MG), pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and hypogammaglobulinemia, according to the NLM. Myasthenia gravis occurs when the thymus is abnormally large and produces antibodies that block or destroy the muscles’ receptor sites.
What does the thymus do in adults?
The thymus gland is an important part of the immune system. It trains the white blood cells (WBCs) to recognize the foreign cells and differentiate them from the body cells. The thymus teaches the WBCs when to attack the deformed or abnormal cells and when to stay put.
Which lymphocyte matures in thymus?
T-cells
The T Cell: T-cells mature in the thymus gland or in the lymph nodes. Since the thymus is only 10-15% functional in the adult, the lymph nodes take on greater importance in the maturation process.
What cells are present in the medulla?
The medulla constitutes approximately 10% of the volume of the adrenal gland. In the normal rodent gland and in most other species the medulla is sharply demarcated from surrounding cortex. The bulk of the medulla is composed of chromaffin cells, which are sites of synthesis and storage of catecholamines.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged thymus?
Thymic hyperplasia can compress these structures, causing the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath.
- Dysphagia.
- Cough.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Chest pain.
What does an enlarged thymus feel like?
Swelling in the face, neck, and upper chest, sometimes with a bluish color. Swelling of the visible veins in this part of the body. Headaches. Feeling dizzy or light-headed.