Tonsils
Definition
The palatine tonsils are dense compact bodies of lymphoid tissue
Located in the lateral wall of the oropharynx
Bounded by the palatoglossus muscle anteriorly
Palatopharyngeus and superior constrictor muscles posteriorly and laterally
The adenoid is a median mass of lymphoid tissue.
Situated in the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx
Both tonsils and adenoid are part of the Waldeyer ring
Provide defense against pathogens & involved in the production of immunoglobulins and the development of both B cells and T cells
The tonsils develop in the second pharyngeal pouch
The size of the tonsil varies according to the age. At the fifth or sixth year of life, the tonsils rapidly increase in size, reaching their maximum size at puberty.
Anatomic relations
Anteriorly and posteriorly - palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus muscles, lying within their respective folds.
Superiorly - the tonsil extends into the edge of the soft palate
Inferiorly - the tonsillar capsule is firmly attached to the side of the tongue
Applied Anatomy
Tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils
Quinsy - Peritonsillar abscess
