Tonsills

The meaning of the word 'tonsil' means a mass of lymphoid tissue. The tonsils surround the oral cavity, providing it with protection against pathogens that may enter the mouth.

Nasal/Pharyngeal Tonsil

 * It is the midline of the roof of the nasopharynx
 * It protrudes from behind the choanae
 * It has shallow foldings between sagitally-orientated mucosal folds
 * It is visible when the tongue is depressed

Lingual Tonsil

 * It is on the posterior third of the tongue
 * It is abundant with lymphoid nodules, which contain B-lymphocytes
 * It is flat with numerous crypts

Palatine Tonsil

 * It is on each side of the oropharynx; between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches
 * It has crypts and tonsillar pits

Waldeyer's Circle

 * Also known as 'Waldeyer's Ring'
 * It is the lymphatic gate made of all three tonsils