Lymphatic Tissues: GALT

The more general term is mucosal associated lymphatic tissue (MALT)
The lymphoid tissue of the alimentary canal, upper respiratory passages and urinary tract.  This occurs in three forms: diffuse lymphatic tissue, solitary lymphatic nodules, and aggregates of lymphatic nodules.  Aggregates of lymphocytes are most common in the small intestine (Peyer's patches) and in the vermiform appendix.  Are these aggregates encapsulated or unencapsulated?

#117 Small intestine (H&E)

Within the lamina propria identify lymphatic nodules and determine whether germinal centers are present.  Note that the lymphoid tissue of the tonsil is within dense fibrous connective tissue and the overlying epithelium, while gut associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) is within the loose areolar tissue of the lamina propria.  

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