The thymus gland is made of lymph tissue and helps make substances (antibodies) that help the body fight infection. It is located in the upper chest at the bottom of the neck, behind the breastbone.
The thymus gland produces antibodies during childhood and is largest during puberty. In adulthood it becomes smaller and is gradually taken over by fat tissue.
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology |
| Last Updated: August 18, 2008 | |
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