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Tonsils - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 15:51, 18 July 2008
, 15:51, 18 July 2008no edit summary
''Sometimes the term tonsil is used to refer to all mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). In this article it will specifically deal with tonsils located in the naso- & oro-pharynx.''
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|linkpage =Lymphoreticular & Haematopoietic System - Anatomy & Physiology
|linktext =LYMPHORETICULAR & HAEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM (Ant & Phys)
|tablelink = Lymphoreticular & Haematopoietic System (Table)- Anatomy & Physiology
|maplink = Lymphoreticular & Haematopoietic System (Concept Map)- Anatomy & Physiology
|sublink1 =Secondary Lymphoid Tissue - Anatomy & Physiology
|subtext1 =SECONDARY LYMPHOID TISSUE (Ant & Phys)
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<p>''Sometimes the term tonsil is used to refer to all mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). In this article it will specifically deal with tonsils located in the naso- & oro-pharynx.''</p>
<p>The tonsils are part of the MALT and more specifically the GALT. They are located in the nasopharynx and [[Oral Cavity - Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|oropharynx]] and form a ring of lymphoid tissue around the pharynx to protect the openings into the [[Alimentary - Anatomy & Physiology|alimentary]] and respiratory systems.</p>
==Structure==
<p>The tonsils are non-encapsulated lymphoid tissue. They have crypts lined with stratified squamous epithelium which are infiltrated with [[Lymphocytes - Anatomy & Physiology|lymphocytes]].</p>
<p>Species being covered here are dog, cat, horse, cattle and pig.</p>
===Pharyngeal===
<p>Also called adenoids</p>
<p>Present in all the species they are located on the pharyngeal septum in the nasopharynx. In cattle it is located on the caudal end of the septum.</p>
===Palatine===
<p>In common speech these are “the tonsils” </p>
Present all species except the pig and are located dorsally in the lateral walls of [[Oral Cavity - Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|oropharynx]]. In cattle and dogs and cats they are compact and in cattle they project away from oropharynx lumen and in cats and dogs they project towards the lumen. In horses they are diffuse.
===Soft palate===
Present in all the species but are the principal tonsils in the pig. Found on the ventral aspect of the soft palate (roof of oropharynx).
===Tubal===
Absent in the cat and dog. They are located in the lateral wall of the nasopharynx and provide protection to the entrance of the auditory tubes. Compact in cattle and pigs and diffuse in horses.
===Lingual===
Found in varying degrees in all species on floor of [[Oral Cavity - Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|oropharynx]].
===Paraepiglottic===
Present in the pig and are found rostrolateral to epiglottis base.
==Functions==
The tonsils are a [[Secondary Lymphoid Tissue - Anatomy & Physiology|secondary lymphoid tissue]] and [[Lymphocytes - Anatomy & Physiology#B cells|B cells]] in the tonsils become committed to synthesise IgA.
==In pathology==
[[Lymphoreticular/Haemotopoietic System - Tonsils|See here]]