Peyer’s patches are groupings of lymphoid follicles in the mucus membrane that lines your small intestine. Lymphoid follicles are small organs in your lymphatic system that are similar to lymph nodes.
Peyer’s patches play an important role in immune surveillance of materials within your digestive system. Immune surveillance refers to the process by which your immune system recognizes and destroys potential pathogens.
Peyer’s patches are located in your small intestine, usually in the ileum area. The ileum is the last portion of your small intestine. In addition to further digesting the food you eat, the ileum also absorbs water and nutrients from food.
Most people have between 30 and 40 Peyer’s patches, and younger people tend to have more than older people.
The size, shape, and overall distribution of Peyer’s patches varies from person to person.