Equine Tonsils - Horse Anatomy
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Introduction
The tonsils are part of the MALT and more specifically the GALT. They are located in the nasopharynx and oropharynx and form a ring of lymphoid tissue around the pharynx to protect the openings into the alimentary and respiratory systems.
Structure
The tonsils are non-encapsulated lymphoid tissue. They have crypts lined with stratified squamous epithelium which are infiltrated with lymphocytes.
Pharyngeal
Also called adenoids Located on the pharyngeal septum in the nasopharynx.
Palatine
In common speech these are “the tonsil" located dorsally in the lateral walls of oropharynx. In horses they are diffuse.
Soft palate
Found on the ventral aspect of the soft palate (roof of oropharynx).
Tubal
They are located in the lateral wall of the nasopharynx and provide protection to the entrance of the auditory tubes. Compact They are diffuse in horses.
Lingual
Found on the floor of oropharynx.
Functions
The tonsils are a secondary lymphoid tissue and B cells in the tonsils become committed to synthesise IgA.