Tonsils
About the Tonsils
The tonsils are lymphoid tissue at the entrance of the throat pharynx, forming Waldeyer ring. Palatine tonsils the commonly removed tonsils are on either side of the oropharynx. Pharyngeal tonsil adenoid is on the roof of the nasopharynx. Lingual tonsil is at the base of the tongue. Tubal tonsils are near the Eustachian tube openings. Tonsils contain crypts that trap pathogens, activating B and T lymphocytes in lymphoid follicles. The palatine tonsils reach maximum size at age 6 to 7 and shrink afterward. Tonsillitis presents with sore throat, fever, and exudate. The modified Centor criteria help distinguish bacterial from viral. Tonsillectomy is performed for recurrent infection or sleep disordered breathing.
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