What is the structure and function of the tonsils?

What is the structure and function of the tonsils?

Tonsils are lymphoid tissue aggregates situated near the entrance of the digestive and respiratory tracts and play a key role in our immune system. They act as a front-line defense forming the initial immunological response to inhaled or ingested pathogens.

What is the function of tonsils?

The tonsils are part of the body’s immune system. Because of their location at the throat and palate, they can stop germs entering the body through the mouth or the nose. The tonsils also contain a lot of white blood cells, which are responsible for killing germs.

What tissue are the tonsils made of?

Tonsils are large non-encapsulated (or partially encapsulated) masses of lymphoid tissue, that lie in the walls of the pharynx and nasopharynx and at the base of the tongue. The luminal surface of the tonsils are covered with a stratified squamous epithelium (in common with the oral epithelia).

What do tonsils look like?

The tonsils are the two oval-shaped masses of tissue on either side of the back of the throat. Normal tonsils are usually about the same size and have the same pink color as the surrounding area.

What are the different types of tonsils?

Tonsils are fleshy masses of lymphatic tissue found in the throat, or pharynx. There are four different types of tonsils: palatine, pharyngeal (commonly referred to as the adenoid), lingual and tubal. Together these four types of tonsils make up what is called Waldeyer’s ring.

How can I see my tonsils?

You can normally see your tonsils by opening your mouth wide and looking in a mirror. They are the two fleshy lumps that you can see at the sides and back of the mouth.

Can you live without tonsils?

You obviously do not need your tonsils and adenoids to live – they are not vital organs like our heart and lungs. However, tonsils and adenoids play an important role in the body’s immune system. According to the National Institutes of Health, “adenoids usually start to shrink after about age 5.

Do humans have 2 sets of tonsils?

Technically, there are three sets of tonsils in the body: the pharyngeal tonsils, commonly known as adenoids, the palatine tonsils and the lingual tonsils, which are lymphatic tissue on the surface tissue of the base of the tongue, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

What are the three tonsils?

Size and location. Technically, there are three sets of tonsils in the body: the pharyngeal tonsils, commonly known as adenoids, the palatine tonsils and the lingual tonsils, which are lymphatic tissue on the surface tissue of the base of the tongue, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

What system is the tonsils part of?

The tonsils are part of the body’s immune system. Because of their location at the throat and palate, they can stop germs entering the body through the mouth or the nose.

What tonsils are located in the laryngopharynx?

The adenoid tonsils are located in the laryngopharynx. The auditory (pharyngotympanic or eustachian) tube drains into the nasopharynx. The oropharynx blends caudally into the nasopharynx. The palatine tonsils are embedded in the lateral walls of the nasopharynx.

Where are the palatine tonsils located?

[edit on Wikidata] Palatine tonsils, commonly called the tonsils and occasionally called the faucial tonsils, are tonsils located on the left and right sides at the back of the throat, which can often be seen as flesh-colored, pinkish lumps.