• Question: what would happend if your thymus failed

    Asked by Jacki Chan to Craig, Laura, Partha, Saffron on 24 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Saffron Whitehead

      Saffron Whitehead answered on 24 Jun 2015:

      Not a lot, it is fairly redundant in adults but has an immune function in babies. It is most active in the neonatal period and prior to puberty and then begins to shrink.

    • Photo: Laura Wales

      Laura Wales answered on 24 Jun 2015:

      Before it shrinks, it plays a role in your immune system. It is involved in the maturation of T-lymphocytes or T cells – these are white blood cells that help you fight infection. If the thymus isn’t functioning properly in adults, there is no effect. In children before they have reached puberty, it can have quite a severe effect if they are unable to fight off infection.

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