THYMIC DEATH Meaning and
Definition
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Thymic death refers to the natural process of cell death, also known as apoptosis, that occurs in the thymus gland. The thymus is a small organ located in the chest, responsible for the development and maturation of T cells, an essential type of white blood cells involved in the immune system's defense mechanisms. Thymic death is an integral part of the thymic selection process, which ensures that only functional and non-self-reactive T cells are allowed to mature.
During thymic death, immature T cells that have undergone extensive testing and have failed to recognize self-antigens on thymic cells or displayed excessive reactivity against them are eliminated. This process ensures that potentially harmful T cells are prevented from leaving the thymus and entering the circulation. By eliminating those T cells with improper receptor specificity or exhibiting autoreactivity, thymic death plays a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Thymic death is regulated by a variety of cellular signals and factors, including genetic mechanisms and interactions within the microenvironment of the thymus. Dysregulation of thymic death can lead to disturbances in immune tolerance and the development of autoimmune disorders.
Understanding the mechanisms and significance of thymic death has important implications for immunology and the development of therapies targeting immune-related diseases.
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Sudden death occurring in the status lymphaticus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THYMIC DEATH
Etymology of THYMIC DEATH
The term "thymic death" comprises two components: "thymic" and "death".
1. Thymic: The adjective "thymic" refers to the thymus, which is an organ located in the upper chest region, just behind the sternum. It is an essential part of the immune system and plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of T-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), which are necessary for immune defense.
The word "thymus" is derived from the Greek word "thumos", meaning "soul" or "spirit", as the ancients considered this organ to be the seat of vitality or life force.
2. Death: The noun "death" refers to the cessation or termination of life.
