Question

What are Peyer's patches, and where are they located?

A) mucous glands of the duodenal submucosa
B) fatty, clublike appendages on the serosa of the colon
C) lymphatic follicles of the ileum
D) peptic ulcers that may occur in the stomach or duodenum
E) lymphatic tissues of the oropharynx

Answer 1

Peyer's patches are lymphatic follicles located in the ileum that play a key role in the immune system by detecting pathogens and generating an immune response.

Step-by-step explanation:

Peyer's patches are lymphatic follicles located in the ileum of the small intestine. They are part of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) that plays a crucial role in the body's immune response to ingested substances. Peyer's patches contain specialized cells, including microfold or M cells, which sample and transport antigens from the intestinal lumen to immune cells, prompting an adaptive immune response. Additionally, these patches contribute to the synthesis of IgA and other pathogen-specific antibodies that can be secreted into the intestinal lumen, aiding in the maintenance of gut microbiota balance and combating infections.