Thymus Gland

The thymus is acknowledged as a vital participant of the immune enhancing lymphatic system, however, many details of its intricate workings remain to be discovered. The primary role of this glandular organ is believed to be the transformation of immature white blood cells into powerful antigen fighting T-cells. White blood cells may be divided into five types that serve to protect the body against infecting agents such as viruses and bacteria - one specific type referred to as lymphocytes are produced by bone marrow. The thymus plays the crucial role of transforming migrating lymphocytes into specialized seek-and-destroy cells called T lymphocytes more commonly abbreviated as T-cells. These cells work by recognizing and destroying body cells that are infected by viruses or cancers. They also work as helper cells that assist in producing antibodies that bind to and destroy foreign microorganisms in body tissue.

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