Thymus
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The thymus is a lymphoid organ located in the thoracic cavity behind the sternum and in front of the heart.
THYMUS
The
thymus is a lymphoid organ located in the thoracic cavity behind the sternum
and in front of the heart.
Key
features:
- Large in infants
- Maximum size at 10–12 years (about 40
g)
- Gradually shrinks after puberty
The
thymus has two lobes, each covered by a connective tissue capsule. The
capsule extends inward as trabeculae, dividing the organ into lobules.
Each
lobule has:
- Outer dark cortex
- Inner light medulla
The
thymus is made of glandular epithelium and hematopoietic connective tissue. It
is the site where T-cells mature, multiply, and gain immune competence.
