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Single lymphoid nodules.
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Solitary lymphoid nodules (noduli lymphoidei solitarii) are found in the thickness of the mucous membrane and in the submucosa of the digestive system organs (pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, gall bladder), respiratory organs (larynx, trachea, main, 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. They are often so close to the epithelial cover that the mucous membrane rises above it in the form of small hillocks. The number of lymphoid nodules in the mucous membrane of these organs is quite large. In the walls of the small intestine in children, the number of nodules ranges from 1000 to 5000, in the large intestine - from 1800 to 7300, in the walls of the trachea - from 100 to 180, and in the urinary bladder - from 25 to 100. In childhood and adolescence, in the thickness of the mucous membrane of the duodenum on an area of 1 cm2 there are on average 9 lymphoid nodules, ileum - 18, cecum - 22, 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 mucous membrane of the larynx 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 mucous membrane on the posterior surface of the epiglottis, lateral parts of the vestibule, ventricles of the larynx, aryepiglottic ligaments. Diffuse lymphoid tissue is also present in the mucous membrane under the vocal cavity.
Development and age-related characteristics of solitary lymphoid nodules
In the walls of the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts, lymphoid nodules appear in the 5th-6th month of intrauterine life. In newborns and children of the first year of life, in the walls of the small intestine per 1 cm2 there are on average 9 nodules, in the large intestine - 11. In the mucous membrane of the larynx (vestibule, ventricles of the larynx), lymphoid nodules in newborns are well developed. In the lower part of the larynx (subglottic cavity), nodules are formed in the first year of the child's life. In children aged 1-3 years, lymphoid nodules are found in the thickness of the aryepiglottic ligaments. Reproductive centers in the nodules appear shortly before birth or soon after it.
Immediately after birth, the number of nodules increases significantly. By the age of 10-15, their number increases by 1.5-2 times compared to the neonatal period. Beginning in adolescence, the number of lymphoid nodules in the mucous membranes of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tract organs gradually decreases. Small nodules predominate.
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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 the mucous membrane of the corresponding organ. Venous blood from the peri-nodular capillary networks flows through the veins of the organ in whose wall the lymphoid nodules are located. Lymphatic vessels are formed from capillaries that form fine-meshed networks around the nodules and carry lymph towards the regional lymph nodes of these organs.
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