Question

Emma’s neighbor had a child with DiGeorge Syndrome, a birth defect in which children are born without a thymus gland. Emma had never heard of the thymus gland and was very curious about what types of problems would exist for a child that did not have one. What is the importance of the thymus gland in the immune system?

Answer 1

The thymus gland can be described as a gland that functions both for the endocrine system and for the immune system.

In the immune system, thymus gland plays a vital role in the development of the T-cells. If thymus gland wouldn't be there, then there will be a reduction in the T- cells of the body. Hence, the immunity of the body will be suppressed.

The thymus, till the time it is active, also protects the body from autoimmunity. If thymus is absent, then there will be suppressed autoimmunity in the child.