thymus

A small glandular organ that is situated behind the top of the breastbone, consisting mainly of lymphatic tissue and serving as the site of T cell differentiation. The thymus increases gradually in size and activity until puberty, after which it begins to atrophy.

A genus of labiate plants, belonging to the tribe Satureineæ and subtribe Menthoideæ; the thyme.

In anatomy, a fetal structure, vestigial in the adult, one of the so-called ductless glands, of no known function, situated inside the thorax, behind the breast-bone, near the root of the neck.

In pathology, same as acrothymion.

Of, pertaining to, or designating, the thymus gland.

a ductless gland in the throat, or in the neighboring region, of nearly all vertebrates. In man and other mammals it is the throat, or neck, sweetbread, which lies in the upper part of the thorax and lower part of the throat. It is largest in fetal and early life, and disappears or becomes rudimentary in the adult. The thymus gland functions as the site of maturation of T-lymphocytes (T-cells), which confer cell-mediated immunity on the host organism; thus, removal or malfunciton of the thymus can lead to absence of cell-mediated immunity, and a consequent loss of resistance to infection.

A ductless gland, consisting mainly of lymphatic tissue, located behind the top of the breastbone. It is most active during puberty, after which it shrinks in size. It plays an important role in the development of the immune system and produces lymphocytes.

large genus of Old World mints: thyme

a ductless glandular organ at the base of the neck that produces lymphocytes and aids in producing immunity; atrophies with age