How Do You Spell THYMUS?

Pronunciation: [θˈa͡ɪməs] (IPA)

The word "thymus" is spelled with a "th" sound, represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /θ/. This sound is made by putting the tip of the tongue between the teeth and exhaling air. The next sound is a long "i", represented as /aɪ/. This sound is made by opening the mouth and elongating the vocal cords, exhaling air. Finally, the word ends with "mus", pronounced /mʌs/, where the "u" sounds like "uh" and the "s" is pronounced with the tongue touching the alveolar ridge.

THYMUS Meaning and Definition

  1. The thymus is a glandular organ located in the upper chest, behind the sternum and between the lungs. It plays a crucial role in the immune system's development and functioning. The thymus is particularly active during childhood and adolescence, gradually decreasing in size and activity as a person ages.

    Functionally, the thymus is responsible for the maturation and differentiation of T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. Specifically, it helps to educate and train T-cells, which are produced in the bone marrow, to recognize and respond appropriately to foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria, while avoiding attacks on the body's own cells.

    The thymus consists of two lobes that are divided into smaller compartments known as lobules. Each lobule contains a framework of epithelial cells and a dense population of immature T-cells. The epithelial cells provide necessary signals and support for the development of T-cells.

    Additionally, the thymus produces several hormones, including thymosin, thymopoietin, and thymulin, which further aid in T-cell development and function. These hormones help regulate the production, proliferation, and activity of T-cells, ultimately contributing to a strong and responsive immune system.

    Overall, the thymus is an essential organ for maintaining proper immune function, as it serves as a training ground for T-cells and helps orchestrate the immune response against foreign invaders.

  2. • Thyme, the dried flowering tops of Thymus vulgaris, sweet thyme, garden thyme; a condiment, employed occasionally in hot infusion as a diaphoretic; the volatile oil, oleum thymi, is official in the U.S.P., and the fluidextract in the N.F.
    • 1. A ductless gland located in the superior mediastinum and lower part of the neck; it is a structure of early life, reaching its maximum development at the end of the second year, and then gradually undergoing retrograde changes, being absent in the adult. It consists of two irregularly shaped, nearly entirely separated lobes, divided into a number of polyhedral lobules separated by septa from the enveloping sheath of the lobe. Each lobule consists of clusters of lymphoid follicles consisting of an outer cortical and an inner medullary portion. It is supplied by the inferior thyroid and internal mammary arteries, and its nerves are derived from the vagus and sympathetic. It supplies an internal secretion of undetermined nature and action. 2. The thymus of the calf or lamb is the sweetbread, called also the throat-sweetbread, the pancreas being the stomach-sweetbread.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A temporary organ existing at the lower part of the neck in children, and disappearing gradually after the second year.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for THYMUS

Etymology of THYMUS

The word "thymus" has its origins in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "thūmos", which means "thyme". The thymus gland was named after thyme due to its resemblance to a leaf of the thyme plant.

Similar spelling words for THYMUS

Plural form of THYMUS is THYMI OR THYMUSES

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