Thymus: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ซ
thymus
[ หฮธaษช.mษs ]
anatomy, biology
The thymus is a specialized organ of the immune system located in the upper chest behind the sternum. It is responsible for the development of T-lymphocytes, or T-cells, which are crucial for adaptive immunity. The thymus reaches its maximum size during puberty and gradually shrinks with age, a process known as thymic involution.
Examples of usage
- The thymus is essential for proper immune function.
- After infection, T-cells mature in the thymus.
- The thymus decreases in size after adolescence.
Translations
Translations of the word "thymus" in other languages:
๐ต๐น timo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฅเคพเคเคฎเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Thymus
๐ฎ๐ฉ timus
๐บ๐ฆ ัะธะผัั
๐ต๐ฑ grasica
๐ฏ๐ต ่ธ่ บ (ใใใใใ)
๐ซ๐ท thymus
๐ช๐ธ timo
๐น๐ท timus
๐ฐ๐ท ํ์ (hyungseon)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุบุฏุฉ ุงูุตุนุชุฑูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ brzlรญk
๐ธ๐ฐ brzlรญk
๐จ๐ณ ่ธ่ บ (xiลngxiร n)
๐ธ๐ฎ timus
๐ฎ๐ธ tรญmi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธะผัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแฃแกแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ timus
๐ฒ๐ฝ timo
Etymology
The word 'thymus' comes from the Ancient Greek word 'thumos,' which referred to the soul or spirit, and also linked to the notion of heat or vigor. The term was adopted into Latin as 'thymus.' This etymology reflects the organ's critical role in contributing to the body's immune response, which is often associated with vitality and health. In anatomy and medical literature, the thymus has been recognized since antiquity for its function in the maturation of T-cells, a crucial component of the adaptive immune system. Understanding the thymus and its functions has evolved over time, with significant advancements in immunology revealing its importance not just as an organ, but as a central player in both the development of immunity in youth and the decline of immune function in older age.