Final answer:
Ectomy means removal or excision. Thymectomy refers to the removal of the thymus gland. The thymus gland is involved in the development and maturation of T-cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ectomy means the removal or excision of a specific organ or tissue from the body. So the term thymectomy means the removal of the thymus gland. The thymus gland is a small organ located in the chest behind the sternum. It is involved in the development and maturation of T-cells, which are important for the immune system. During a thymectomy, the thymus gland is surgically removed. This procedure is sometimes performed to treat certain conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, where there is an abnormality in the immune system.