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Which gland atrophies with advancing age?: A detailed look at the thymus and others

By middle age, the size of the thymus gland has shrunk to less than 10% of its maximum weight in early childhood. This process, known as thymic involution, is a natural part of growing older and is the most prominent example of a gland that atrophies with advancing age. The gradual decline of this vital immune organ has significant consequences for the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases.