PEYERS PATCH Meaning and
Definition
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Peyer's patches are specialized lymphoid tissues found in the gastrointestinal tract, specifically in the lining of the small intestine. Named after the Swiss anatomist Johann Conrad Peyer, who first described them in the 17th century, Peyer's patches play a significant role in the immune system's defense against pathogens that enter the body through the digestive system.
These structures consist of clusters of lymphoid follicles, which are collections of immune cells called lymphocytes, particularly B cells and T cells. Peyer's patches are concentrated in the distal portion of the small intestine, especially in the ileum, and are characterized by their prominent dome-like appearance.
The main function of Peyer's patches is to sample antigens from the lumen of the intestine and initiate an immune response when necessary. Within the patches, specialized immune cells, known as microfold or M cells, transport antigens from the gut lumen to the underlying lymphoid tissue. This process allows the immune system to recognize and respond to potential harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, in the gut.
By producing specific antibodies and activating immune cells, Peyer's patches contribute to the body's ability to neutralize and eliminate intestinal pathogens. Their location in the small intestine enables them to monitor and respond to the vast array of microbes and antigens encountered during digestion.
Overall, Peyer's patches serve as vital components of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis and preventing the colonization of pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract.
Common Misspellings for PEYERS PATCH
- oeyers patch
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- 0eyers patch
- pwyers patch
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- pdyers patch
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- p4yers patch
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- peters patch
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- pe7ers patch
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- peywrs patch
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- peydrs patch
- peyrrs patch
Etymology of PEYERS PATCH
The word "Peyer's patch" has an etymology that involves the names of several individuals who played significant roles in its discovery and description.
In 1673, Johann Conrad Brunner, a Swiss anatomist, first observed small, yellowish follicles in the lining of the small intestine. However, he did not give them a specific name.
In 1677, a Dutch anatomist named Johann Conrad Peyer described these structures more comprehensively and gave them his name, thus becoming known as "Peyer's glandules" or "Peyer's patches".
Later, in 1683, Francis Glisson, an English physician, used the term "Peyer's glands" to refer to these structures.
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