peyer's patch
Noun: A Peyer's patch is a small mass or aggregation of lymphoid tissue, specifically a type of lymph node, found in the lining of the small intestine. These patches are part of the body's immune system and are involved in monitoring intestinal bacteria and preventing the growth of harmful pathogens in the gut.
Peyer's patches are anatomical structures studied in biology and medicine. The term is typically used in scientific, medical, and academic contexts. * As a countable noun, it is often used in the plural form: Peyer's patches. * It is a proper noun, so "Peyer's" is always capitalized.
- In the small intestine, Peyer's patches are important for immune surveillance. (Describing their location and function.)
- The biopsy revealed inflammation of several Peyer's patches. (Used in a medical diagnostic context.)
- Researchers are studying how antigens are sampled by M cells in the Peyer's patch. (Used in a scientific research context.)
- Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT): Peyer's patches are a major component of the GALT, which is the immune system of the digestive tract.
- Immune induction site: In immunology, Peyer's patches are described as a key site for the induction of immune responses to oral antigens.
- Peyer's glands: An older, less common synonym for Peyer's patches.
- Aggregated lymphoid nodules: A more general descriptive term that includes structures like Peyer's patches.
- M cell (Microfold cell): A specialized cell type found in the epithelium covering a Peyer's patch, responsible for antigen transport.
- Aggregated lymphatic follicle (technical)
- Intestinal lymphoid aggregate (descriptive)
The term "Peyer's patch" has a single, specific anatomical meaning. It does not have different general definitions. It is named after the Swiss anatomist Johann Conrad Peyer.
- any of several lymph nodes in the walls of the intestines near the junction of the ileum and colon