Thymus

:This article discusses the thymus, a bodily organ. For the herb genus Thymus, see Thyme.

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In human anatomy, the thymus is a ductless gland located in the upper anterior portion of the chest cavity. It is most active during puberty, after which it shrinks in size and activity in most individuals and is replaced with fat. The thymus plays an important role in the development of the immune system in early life, and its cells form a part of the body's normal immune system.

Related Topics:
Human anatomy - Gland - Anterior - Chest cavity - Puberty - Fat - Immune system

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The thymus is also present in many other animals. When animal thymus tissue is sold in a butcher shop or at a meat counter, thymus is known as sweetbread.

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