TONSI

(PALATINE,PHARYNGEAL, LINGUAL
TONSILS)
KVNCLR2015
TONSIL
Well defined, large accumulation of lymphoid nodules
located in the lamina propria of the pharyngeal wall
Covered by stratified squamous lining epithelium
Lack of afferent lymphatic vessel
Tonsillar crypts formed when the lining epithelium
invaginates into the lymphoid mass
Salivary corpuscles numerous migrating lymphocytes f
Major role: defense against bacterial and viral infections via
production of Ig
rom the lymphoid nodule to the surface of the tonsil
TONSIL
Collections of lymphoid tissue in the mucosa of the pharynx
circle the opening of the throat in a ring-like arrangement,
known as Waldeyer's Ring
Waldeyer's Ring belongs to a group of secondary lymphoid
tissues known as Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue
(MALT).
The most prominent aggregations in Waldeyer's Ring form
distinct masses (Tonsils). They are the:
Pharyngeal tonsil (also known as the "adenoids"),
Palatine tonsils (also known as the tonsils), and the
Lingual tonsils
Waldeyers Ring
 OVERVIEW OF THE TONSILS
Tonsil Location Epithelium Crypts

Ciliated pseudostratified
columnar epithelium
Numerous folds of
In the midline on the roof typical of the respiratory
Pharyngeal pharyngeal epithelium,
of the nasopharynx tract, with some patches
not true crypts
of stratified squamous
epithelium observed

Multiple monocryptic
Stratified squamous non-
Lingual Posterior third of tongue[ 'units' with a single
keratinising
shallow crypt each

10-30 deep and

Stratified squamous non-
Palatine Paired at oropharynx sometimes branching
keratinising
crypts (Polycryptic)
PHARYNGEAL TONSIL
Respiratory
epithelium
Pleated surface
Note:
Pharyngeal
tonsils have
folds, not true
crypts.
 PALATINE TONSIL
Almond-shaped masses
Surface epithelium:
Nonkeratinized stratified squamous heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes
Forms 10-20 deep invaginations (tonsillar crypts): increase surface area, enhance
interaction between Antigens and underlying cells
Lamina Propria:
Germinal centers: lightly stained central regions of large proliferating B cells and
macrophages surrounded by small resting B cells
Macrophages
Abundant in nodules
Number increases after intense Antigenic stimulation
Less basophilic than surrounding lymphocytes
Capsule: incomplete
Mucous Glands
Secretions: clean crypts
 PALATINE TONSIL
Tonsillar crypts

Germinal center
(B cells and macrophages)

Lymphoid nodule
LINGUAL TONSIL
Closely associated
with mucous-only
Weber's salivary
glands
Lightly keratinized
stratified
squamous
epithelium
One crypt per
tonsil
Mucous gland-
function to clean
the crypts
TONSILLAR CRYPT
Composed mostly of
cellular debris
including:
Shed epithelial cells
Live and dead
lymphocytes
Bacteria
MOCK PRACTICAL ON TONSIL
1. Name the
specimen
2. Specify what type
does the specimen
belong
1. Tonsil
2. Lingual tonsil
1. What type of
epithelium does
the specimen
have?
2. Identify the major
composition of
the epithelium
1. Lightly
Keratinized
stratified
squamous
epithelium
2. Keratin
1. Identify the
pointed structure
2. Identify the 2
major cells found
in #1
1. Germinal center
2. B cells/ B
lymphocytes and
macrophages
1. Identify the pointed
structure
2. Function of the pointed
structure
1. Tonsillar crypt
2. Increase surface area