Lingual tonsils
Tongue
Details
SystemImmune system (Lymphatic system)
Identifiers
Latintonsilla lingualis
TA98A05.1.04.022
TA22830
FMA54836
Anatomical terminology

The lingual tonsils are a collection of lymphatic tissue located in the lamina propria of the root of the tongue.[1] This lymphatic tissue consists of the lymphatic nodules rich in cells of the immune system (immunocytes).[2] The immunocytes initiate the immune response when the lingual tonsils get in contact with invading microorganisms (pathogenic bacteria, viruses or parasites).[2][3][4]

Structure

Microanatomy

Lingual tonsils are covered externally by stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium that invaginates inward forming crypts. Beneath the epithelium is a layer of lymphoid nodules containing lymphocytes. Mucous glands located at the root of tongue are drained through several ducts into the crypt of lingual tonsils.[2][3] Secretions of these mucous glands keep the crypt clean and free of any debris.

Blood supply

Lingual tonsils are located on posterior aspect of tongue which is supplied through:[1]

  • Lingual artery, branch of external carotid artery
  • Tonsillar branch of facial artery
  • Ascending and descending palatine arteries
  • Ascending pharyngeal branch of external carotid artery

Nerve supply

Lingual tonsils are innervated by tonsillar nerves from the tonsilar plexus, formed by the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves.[1]

Function

Tonsils and the throat–lingual tonsils labelled

Like other lymphatic tissues, the function of lingual tonsils is to prevent infections. These tonsils contain B and T lymphocytes which get activated when harmful bacteria and viruses come in contact with tonsils. B lymphocytes kill pathogens by producing antibodies against them, while T lymphocytes directly kill them releasing cytotoxic substances or indirectly by stimulating other cells of the immune system.[2][3][4]

Clinical significance

Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of neoplasm that can affect lingual tonsils.[5]

Sleep apnea

Enlarged or hypertrophic lingual tonsils have the potential to cause or exacerbate sleep apnea.[6]

Additional images

Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1138 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

References

  1. 1 2 3 Moore, Keith L. (2013-02-13). Clinically oriented anatomy. Dalley, Arthur F., II,, Agur, A. M. R. (Seventh ed.). Philadelphia. ISBN 978-1451119459. OCLC 813301028.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. 1 2 3 4 Mescher, Anthony L. (22 February 2013). Junqueira's basic histology : text and atlas. Junqueira, Luiz Carlos Uchôa, 1920- (Thirteenth ed.). New York. ISBN 9780071807203. OCLC 854567882.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  3. 1 2 3 Ross, Michael H. (2011). Histology : a text and atlas : with correlated cell and molecular biology. Pawlina, Wojciech. (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health. ISBN 9780781772006. OCLC 548651322.
  4. 1 2 Abbas, Abul K. (2012). Cellular and molecular immunology. Lichtman, Andrew H., Pillai, Shiv. (7th ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier/Saunders. ISBN 9781437715286. OCLC 698580696.
  5. ↑ Theodoraki, M-N.; Veit, J. A.; Hoffmann, T. K.; Greve, J. (2017-06-26). "Synchronous bilateral tonsil carcinoma: case presentation and review of the literature". Infectious Agents and Cancer. 12: 38. doi:10.1186/s13027-017-0146-5. ISSN 1750-9378. PMC 5485684. PMID 28670333.
  6. ↑ Badełek-izdebska, Małgorzata; Dębska, Małgorzata; Zawadzka-Głos, Lidia (2015-12-23). "Lingual Tonsil Hypertrophy as a Cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome – Case Report". New Medicine. 19 (4): 130–132. doi:10.5604/14270994.1191789. ISSN 1427-0994.
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