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6 min

Which gland degenerates after puberty? The thymus gland's gradual decline explained

The thymus is a crucial organ for immune system development during childhood, but it is also the gland that undergoes significant degeneration, or involution, after puberty. Following adolescence, the thymus progressively shrinks and is replaced by fatty tissue, with its function of producing new T-cells dramatically reduced. This normal physiological process, known as thymic involution, has been long observed and studied for its effects on aging and immunity.

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