Faucial tonsil

Faucial tonsils, also known as palatine tonsils, are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx). They are part of the lymphatic system, which helps to fight infections.

Anatomy

The faucial tonsils are located in the oropharynx, between the palatoglossal arch and the palatopharyngeal arch. They are covered by stratified squamous epithelium and are characterized by numerous crypts, or invaginations of the epithelium, which increase their surface area for interaction with antigens.

Function

The primary function of the faucial tonsils is to produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which play a crucial role in the body's immune response. They also serve as the body's first line of defense against ingested or inhaled foreign pathogens.

Clinical significance

Inflammation of the faucial tonsils, known as tonsillitis, is a common condition that can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis may necessitate tonsillectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.

Tonsillar hypertrophy, or enlargement of the tonsils, can also occur, often in response to repeated infections. This condition can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.

See also

• Tonsillectomy
• Tonsillitis
• Tonsillar hypertrophy
• Lymphatic system
• Oropharynx