Search Ontology:
Anatomy Ontology

thymus

Term ID
ZFA:0001078
Synonyms
Definition
Paired organ where maturation of T-lymphocytes occurs. The adult thymus located on the dorsomedial aspect of the branchial cavity above the third pharyngeal cartilage. The thymus undergoes a period of rapid growth beginning at about the third week and continuing for several more weeks. Accompanying this growth is a dramatic change in the shape of the thymus. It is ovoid initially and then starts to grow dorsally along the skull, forming a characteristic protrusion. During this growth period the adult pattern of rag1-positive cortex and rag1-negative medulla becomes established. The protrusions diminish with age and the thymus gradually shrinks; at two years, the thymus is again confined to the pharynx with minimal if any protrusion. (2)
Appears at
Larval:Protruding-mouth (72.0h-96.0h, 3.5mm)
Evident until
Adult (90d-730d, breeding adult)
References
  • TAO:0001078
Ontology
Anatomy Ontology
Relationships
develops from
is part of
has parts
is a type of
Expression
Genes with most Figures
Antibody Labeling
Phenotype
Phenotype caused by Genes