What Is an Endocrinologist?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
9. Thymus Gland
The thymus is a gland that is found deep to the sternum, otherwise known as the breastbone, and it plays an important part in the immune system. This gland will often stretch from the sternum to the thyroid gland in children, but it will begin to shrink in people who have reached puberty.
The thymus gland is where T lymphocytes, or T-cells, develop. These cells, also known as killer cells, play a very important part in helping to keep the body safe because they are able to directly attack and kill pathogens. In adults, T-cells are also found in the lymphatic system, meaning that the thymus gland becomes less important.
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