The thymus gland plays an important role in the immune system. If the thymus gland does not work properly, cancer cells and various types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, will easily attack your body.
Thymus Gland Definition
The thymus gland is a bilaterally symmetrical lymphoid organ consisting of two pyramid-shaped lobes, located in the anterior portion of the mediastinum superior.
Maximum thymus development is achieved at approximately the time of puberty, and the thymus, then undergoes a process of involution that slowly replaces parenchyma by fat and fibrous tissue which gradually decreases immune function in adulthood.
Thymus Gland Location
The thymus gland is a gland located in the middle of the chest cavity, precisely behind the breastbone and between the lungs. The shape resembles a small tube and consists of two parts of the same size. This thymus gland will change with age.
When children and adolescents, the thymus gland will be more active and the size will be greater. When entering the age of adulthood, the gland will shrink, and in the elderly, almost all the thymus glands will be replaced with fatty tissues.
Thymus Gland Facts
The thymus gland is a small organ the size of thyme leaf. You may rarely hear the name of this one organ or gland. It belongs to the lymphatic system. Just like the spinal cord, spleen, lymph nodes, and tonsils.
- Thymus serves to produce T-cells capable of fighting viruses.
- T-cells produced by the thymus gland also play a role in preventing autoimmune diseases.
- Thymus slowly shrinks since when we step on puberty.
Thymus Gland Function
The functions of the thymus gland include:
T lymphocytes Cell production
The thymus gland will produce a Thymosin hormone, this hormone serves as a trigger for the formation of T-lymphocytes in the body. The T lymphocytes are a group of white blood cells that is very important in the immune system, especially the cellular immune system. T lymphocytes can distinguish the types of pathogens based on their abilities to evolve over time.
Play a role in growth until puberty
In addition to part of the immune system, the thymus gland also has a slight role for one’s growth because in the thymus gland there is a growth hormone buildup of somatotrophic hormone.
As the human immune system
Human immunity is differentiated into two, that is, when it is still in the womb, where the immune system is obtained from eaten or injected proteins into the mother’s body to form an antibody that will later be given to the child so that the child becomes immune.
Further, there is a humoral immune system which is given to the child after birth. Usually through immunizations such as polio, hepatitis, BCG, as well as others and it can also be through vaccination.
How to improve thymus gland function
We now know that the thymus gland loses its function as we grow older. However, there are rumors that we can undertake to be active again with tapping the chest, where the gland is located. Reportedly by doing so, the thymus will again serve to produce T cells.
But is the rumor true? Until now there is no scientific evidence that undertook the statement. There are even no journals or scientific articles describing this. So, tapping the chest is still not proven can reactivate it.
Knocking the chest is not proven to have relationships with the thymus gland. But there are a number of other ways that can be done to improve the function of the organ. The following are:
- Take a supplement from Echinacea and Olive leaf;
- Consume five to seven servings of vegetables every day, especially broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower;
- Consumption of foods that are rich in vitamins C and E;
- Exercises, especially yoga every day, according to Dr. Jeff Migdow.
The above way is proven to stimulate the thymus gland to be more active than it should be. But remember, do not consume too much of the above content in the form of supplements. Any excessive content is not good for the body, so be aware of the limitations of its daily intake.
Read also:
List of foods for immune system booster
