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Single lymphoid nodules
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Single lymphoid nodules (noduli lymphoidei solitarii) are found in the thickness of the mucosa and in the submucosa of the digestive system (pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, gallbladder), respiratory organs (larynx, trachea, major, lobar and segmental bronchi ), as well as in the walls of the ureters, bladder, urethra. Lymphoid nodules are located at different distances from each other and at different depths. Often they lie so close to the epithelial cover that the mucous membrane above it rises in the form of small hills. The number of lymphoid nodules in the mucosa of these organs is quite large. In the walls of the small intestine in children the number of nodules from 1000 to 5000, the colon - from 1800 to 7300, in the walls of the trachea - from 100 to 180, and the bladder - from 25 to 100. In childhood and adolescence in the thickness of the mucosa of the duodenum on an area of 1 cm 2 there are an average of 9 lymphoid nodules, iliac - 18, blind - 22, a colon - 35, rectum - 21 nodules. In the mucous membrane of the gallbladder, the number of lymphoid nodules reaches 25.
Clusters of lymphoid tissue in the thickness of the laryngeal mucosa have the form of lymphoid nodules located in the form of a ring (laryngeal tonsil). The greatest amount of lymphoid tissue is observed in the mucosa on the posterior surface of the epiglottis, the lateral areas of the vestibule, the ventricles of the larynx, and the scaly belts. Diffuse lymphoid tissue is also present in the mucosa under the voice cavity.
[Development and age specific features of single lymphoid nodules
In the walls of the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts, lymphoid nodules appear on the 5th-6th month of intrauterine life. In newborns and children of the first year of life in the walls of the bowel per cm 2, there are an average of 9 nodules, the colon - 11. In the laryngeal mucosa (vestibule, ventricles of the larynx) lymphoid nodules in the newborns are well developed. In the lower part of the larynx (podgotosovaya cavity) nodules are formed on the 1 st year of life of the child. In children 1-3 years of age lymphoid nodules are found in the thickness of cherpalodnagortan ligaments. Breeding centers in nodules appear shortly before birth or soon after.
Immediately after birth, the number of nodules increases markedly. By 10-15 years their number in comparison with the period of newborns increases in 1,5-2 times. Beginning with adolescence, the number of lymphoid nodules in the mucous membranes of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tract gradually decreases. Nodules of small sizes predominate.
Vessels and nerves of lymphoid nodules and plaques
Blood supply and innervation of lymphoid nodules and plaques are carried out by branches of arteries and nerves penetrating into the mucous membrane of the corresponding organ. Venous blood from the circulatory capillary nets cuts through the veins of the organ in the wall of which the lymphoid nodules are located. Lymphatic vessels are formed from the capillaries, forming small knots around the nodules, and carry the lymph toward the regional lymph nodes for these organs.