Tonsilla palatina (SFLT)

Tonsilla


Description: The fibrous capsule of the tonsil is not complete and transitions into a layered squamous non-keratinizing epithelium. Deep grooves on the surface of the tonsil are called crypts and contain shed epithelial cells, leukocytes, and bacteria. Lymphatic follicles (described below) are well visible, with a predominance of B-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes are more scattered between the follicles.

1- Crypt lumen 2- Layered squamous non-keratinizing epithelium (on the side facing the oral cavity) 3- Lymphatic follicle with large germinal center (i.e. secondary follicle) 4- Mucinous secretory lobules of salivary gland 5- Drainage duct 6- Lamina propria richly infiltrated by T-lymphocytes

Detail of a secondary lymphatic follicle


Description: Lighter part - germinal center, darker part - incomplete mantle layer (cap appearance, densely arranged small B-lymphocytes).