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What is the term for the shrinkage of a gland with age?

According to scientific studies, the thymus gland, a vital organ for immune function, begins to progressively shrink after puberty, a notable example of the body's aging processes. The primary term for this and other forms of the shrinkage of a gland with age is **atrophy**, although the specific age-related process is often called **involution**. This process is a natural part of aging and affects various endocrine glands, leading to functional changes over time.