This small organ makes white blood cells, called T-cells, and is important in fighting off infection.
It also plays a messaging role in the endocrine system.
Your thymus is most active in your younger years.
Illustration by Nez Riaz for Verywell Health
Certain conditions, as well as advancing age, can lead to thymus-related health issues.
In some people, though, this organ is found in the neck or upper chest.
Up through puberty, your thymus gland is very active.
Then it starts to shrink slowly.
Some researchers believe the shrinking of the thymus may be what triggers the aging process.
That’s why aging often means getting sick more and responding to vaccines less.
These include melatonin, which helps you sleep, and insulin, which helps control your blood sugar.
These can lead to problems with immunity and autoimmunity.
Sometimes persons with thymomas can develop other immune conditions.
These include:
Can You Live Without a Thymus Gland?
It is possible for people to live without a thymus.
Conditions that affect the thymus gland can lead to problems with immunity and autoimmunity.
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