Abstract

The lymphoid tissue of the normal colon is compared with that of colons with diverticular disease. Colons with diverticular disease show a significant increase in the number of lymphoid nodules in areas not containing diverticula. Lymphoid-glandular complexes of the colon were studied in relation to diverticular disease. It is suggested that the lymphoid nodules and the lymphoid-glandular complexes of the colon constitute weak points in the bowel wall and may play a part in the pathogenesis of diverticula.