Gut-associated lymphoid tissue

The gut-associated lymphoid tissue ( gut-associated immune system) or GALT (of English. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue ) is the part of the lymphatic system in the area of the intestine. Due to the large surface area of ​​the intestinal mucosa is particularly important for the immune system. 70-80 % of all cells that produce antibodies, are located in the mucosa of the intestine.

Diffuse accumulations of lymphocytes or loose associations of these ( follicles ) are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, the most frequently comes into contact with the ingested food with germs and foreign bodies. In the ileum (ileum ) and in the appendix ( vermiform appendix ) exists in the form of organized lymphoid tissue of the Peyer's patches.