Number, size, and distribution of Peyer's patches in the human small intestine: Part I The development of Peyer's patches

Abstract

Thirty-eight specimens of normal small intestine from premature infants and children were examined, using acetic acid fixation and polychrome methylene blue staining; this technique reveals many more Peyer''s patches than have previously been recognized by formalin fixation of degenerated material. The mean number varied from 59 before 30 weeks'' gestation to 239 at puberty. The mean number of large patches (more than 25 follicles) varied from more than 40 at term to 100 or more at puberty.