PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What do the Peyer's patches and appendix have in common?

1. Both produce bile

2. Both react to antigens from the intestines

3. Both are part of the respiratory system

4. Both are primarily involved in digestion

The correct answer is: Both react to antigens from the intestines

The Peyer's patches and the appendix share the important function of being part of the immune system, specifically in their role in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Both structures are involved in the immune response to antigens that enter the body through the intestines. Peyer’s patches are lymphoid tissues located in the mucosal lining of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) and are specifically designed to monitor intestinal bacteria and prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines. Similarly, the appendix contains lymphoid tissue and plays a role in a similar immune function, serving as a reservoir for beneficial gut flora and contributing to the immune response, especially following gastrointestinal infections. By reacting to antigens in the gut, both structures help in the development and regulation of immunity, maintaining a balance between tolerance to harmless substances and the response to harmful pathogens. The other options do not accurately reflect the shared function of Peyer's patches and the appendix. They do not produce bile or play a role in digestion, and they are not part of the respiratory system. Their primary function is linked strictly to immune response rather than any digestive role.