Anatomic.us > Lymphatic System

Palatine Tonsil

Palatine tonsils are the small almond shaped masses of lymphoid tissue found on both the left and right side of the back of throat. Palatine tonsils are also named as faucial tonsils. These tonsils are occupied within tonsillar sinus which is a small depression or fossa located on both side at the back of throat. Two mucous membrane folds form anterior and posterior boundaries of tonsillar sinus. The anterior fold is called palatoglossal arch and the posterior fold is called palatopharyngeal arch. Palatine tonsils can be seen easily when the mouth is fully opened and the tongue is depressed.

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Palatine Tonsil


HISTOLOGY

Palatine tonsils are covered by stratified squamous non keratinized epithelium which dips into underlying tissue to form crypts. The number of crypts varies from 12-15. These crypts are surrounded by lymphocytes arranged in the form of nodules.

 

BLOOD SUPPLY

Palatine tonsils are supplied by:

  • Tonsillar branch of facial artery

  • Ascending palatine branch of facial artery

  • Dorsal lingual branches of lingual artery

  • Ascending pharyngeal branch of external carotid artery

  • Greater palatine branch of maxillary artery

 

NERVE SUPPLY

Lesser palatine nerves and branches of glossopharyngeal nerve innervate these tonsils.

 

FUNCTIONS

The purpose of palatine tonsils is to protect the body from infection. The lymphocytes present within the tonsils provide immunity by fighting against pathogens or bacteria.

 

CLINICAL POINTS

  • Inflammation of tonsils is called tonsillitis which causes fever and sore throat.

  • Palatine tonsils are the common site of infection in children

  • Enlarged or infected tonsils sometimes require surgical removal. This operation is called tonsillectomy

  • Tonsilollith is a condition in which calcium stones are formed in tonsils that make them painful and inflamed.



HISTOLOGY

Palatine tonsils are covered by stratified squamous non keratinized epithelium which dips into underlying tissue to form crypts. The number of crypts varies from 12-15. These crypts are surrounded by lymphocytes arranged in the form of nodules.

 

BLOOD SUPPLY

Palatine tonsils are supplied by:

  • Tonsillar branch of facial artery

  • Ascending palatine branch of facial artery

  • Dorsal lingual branches of lingual artery

  • Ascending pharyngeal branch of external carotid artery

  • Greater palatine branch of maxillary artery

 

NERVE SUPPLY

Lesser palatine nerves and branches of glossopharyngeal nerve innervate these tonsils.

 

FUNCTIONS

The purpose of palatine tonsils is to protect the body from infection. The lymphocytes present within the tonsils provide immunity by fighting against pathogens or bacteria.

 

CLINICAL POINTS

  • Inflammation of tonsils is called tonsillitis which causes fever and sore throat.

  • Palatine tonsils are the common site of infection in children

  • Enlarged or infected tonsils sometimes require surgical removal. This operation is called tonsillectomy

  • Tonsilollith is a condition in which calcium stones are formed in tonsils that make them painful and inflamed.

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