noun a collection of lymphoid tissue in the small intestine responsible for immune responses
Peyer’s patches are lymphoid nodules found in the small intestine, specifically in the ileum. They play a key role in the immune system by monitoring the contents of the intestine for harmful pathogens.
Peyer’s patches are part of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and are involved in the initiation of immune responses against pathogens that enter the body through the digestive tract.
Peyer’s patches are sites where immune cells sample antigens from the gut microbiota, helping to establish immune tolerance to beneficial bacteria while mounting responses against pathogens.
Peyer’s patches are important for maintaining gut homeostasis and preventing the invasion of harmful bacteria from the intestine into the bloodstream.
Peyer's patches may be mentioned in medical articles or books when discussing the immune system and the role of lymphoid tissues in the gut.
Biologists may study Peyer's patches as part of their research on the immune system and mucosal immunity in the digestive tract.
Gastroenterologists may focus on Peyer's patches when diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Immunologists may study Peyer's patches to understand their role in the immune response to pathogens and antigens in the gut.