Palatine Tonsil

One of either of the two masses of lymphoid tissue at the back of the mouth on the sides of the throat. Sometimes they are called the faucial tonsil and are the ones you can see on the left and right sides at the back of the throat (oropharynx). Each one has many pits in which food can become lodged and infection can set in. The outer surface leads to a deeper lymphatic tissue within the palatine tonsil.

Cervical Lymph Nodes Palatine Tonsil Axlillary Lymph Nodes Right Lymphatic Duct Spleen Thoracic Duct Inguinal Lymph Nodes Cisterna Chyli
Popliteal Lymph Nodes Epitrochlear Lymph Nodes Thymus

Palatine Tonsil

The function of the palatine tonsils is to act in preventing infection in the respiratory and digestive tracts by their production if antibodies used to control any invading bacteria or viruses that may develop into an infection.

They tend to degenerate and decrease in size as one gets older. They are part of the upper respiratory defense mechanism used to control viruses or bacteria that may invade the body through the oral cavity or nasal cavity.

When they themselves get inflamed and cause an infection to occur it becomes necessary to surgically remove them, especially in children. These tonsils also work with other lymphoid tissue to assist in circulating the lymph fluid.

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