INTESTINAL FOLLICLE Meaning and
Definition
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Intestinal follicle refers to a type of lymphoid tissue found in the intestines, specifically within the walls of the small intestine, that plays a crucial role in the body's immune system. Also known as Peyer's patches, intestinal follicles are distinct oval-shaped structures characterized by the presence of specialized immune cells called lymphocytes.
These follicles are made up of clusters of lymphoid cells, including both B-cells and T-cells, which are essential components of the body's adaptive immune response. B-cells are responsible for producing antibodies, while T-cells help regulate and coordinate the immune system's response to specific foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses.
Intestinal follicles serve as essential sites for immune surveillance and defense against pathogens that enter the intestine through ingested food or liquid. They act as hubs for antigen sampling and presentation, engulfing potential pathogens and displaying fragments of them to lymphocytes for recognition and response initiation.
By eliciting an immune response, intestinal follicles help protect against infections and maintain the delicate balance of the gut microbiota, the complex community of microorganisms inhabiting the intestinal tract. They are particularly important in preventing the invasion of harmful bacteria and other pathogens, while still allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive.
The location of intestinal follicles near the intestinal lining allows for efficient detection and response to potential threats, making them a crucial part of the body's overall defense network. In summary, intestinal follicles are lymphoid tissues found in the gut that are vital in mounting immune responses against pathogens and maintaining the intestinal ecosystem.
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Lieberkuehn's f., one of the numerous tubular glands in the mucous membrane of the intestine, glandula intestinalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTESTINAL FOLLICLE
- untestinal follicle
- jntestinal follicle
- kntestinal follicle
- ontestinal follicle
- 9ntestinal follicle
- 8ntestinal follicle
- ibtestinal follicle
- imtestinal follicle
- ijtestinal follicle
- ihtestinal follicle
- inrestinal follicle
- infestinal follicle
- ingestinal follicle
- inyestinal follicle
- in6estinal follicle
- in5estinal follicle
- intwstinal follicle
- intsstinal follicle
- intdstinal follicle
- intrstinal follicle
Etymology of INTESTINAL FOLLICLE
The word "intestinal" comes from the Latin word "intestinus", meaning "internal", which itself is derived from the Latin word "intus", meaning "within".
The word "follicle" originates from the Latin word "folliculus", which means "small bag" or "little sack". It can also be traced back to the Latin word "folium", meaning "leaf".
Therefore, the etymology of the term "intestinal follicle" can be understood as "follicle within the intestines", reflecting the anatomical location and structure of these small bag-like structures found in the intestinal walls.
