The thymus, a gland of the immune system

The Thymus is a gland made of two identical lobes, anatomically located in the mediastinum (between the heart and the sternum) that work on the immune system. Each of its lobes consists of two clearly differentiated parts: the marrow, in the center and the crust, on the periphery.

• The marrow is specialized in thymocyte maturation giving rise to mature and specialized T lymphocytes, with the ability to differentiate own cells from external pathogens.
• The cortex is composed of immature T lymphocytes (called thymocytes) between a cellular network through which irrigation reaches it.

There are different types of cells found in the thymus:

• Epithelial cells of support and structure.
• Thymocytes or immature T cells
• T lymphocytes, immune cells that protect against infections and stimulate the immune response.
• Kulchitsky cells, releasing a series of proteins with hormonal function that participate in the maturation and differentiation of T lymphocytes.

T lymphocyte function

T lymphocytes are the cells of the immune system Responsible for cellular immunity or immune response that causes the activation of other cells involved in fighting infection. Its cell membrane contains a series of protein specific capable of recognize different types of substances that produce an immune response. In addition, being a hormonal gland, it is capable of stimulate other glands of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis such as luteinizing hormone or prolactin.

Remember that lymphocytes are included in the cell group called or white blood cells formed by 5 different cell lines:

• Lymphocytes (can be B or T)
• Monocytes
• Eosinophils
• Basophils

In addition, they exist in turn, different types of T lymphocytes based on function specific that perform: cytotoxic T lymphocytes, helper T lymphocytes and regulatory T lymphocytes.

T lymphocytes They can also be called thymocytes or T cells and during their maturation they also undergo the specific differentiation process to become one of the three subtypes of T lymphocytes mentioned. Subsequently, through the lymphatic system they will travel to the required location to carry out their specific immune action (the most important against infection).

Where do T lymphocytes originate?

T lymphocytes They originate from the hematopoietic stem cells of the bone marrow and, via the blood, reach the thymus in an immature state where they will continue their maturation process from the cortex to the marrow. After that, the T lymphocytes they again leave the thymus, heading through the blood and secondary lymphatic organs (and) to the target sites in search of foreign antigens.

Importance of the thymus gland

The thymus acquires its greatest role in early life, from the neonatal period to the beginning of adolescence. In adolescence it begins its involution or atrophy, reducing its size, likewise, inside the tissue is replaced by adipose tissue. Family Medicine Specialist Teladoc Health Consultant Physician