The thymus: from past misconception to present recognition.

Abstract

The critical role of the thymus in the development of the immune system was unknown until recently. For a long time physicians were puzzled by the presence of a large thymus in early life and attributed many symptoms to it. This review briefly covers the history of the thymus and its function as a primary lymphoid organ, along with a short background of the development of the immune system. Thymic diseases and their imaging features are also reviewed briefly.