Tonsils Flashcards

Study tonsil anatomy, including their classification, locations, histological features, blood supply, lymphatic drainage, and clinical significance.

Card 1 of 30Question

How are the tonsils classified within the lymphatic system?

As secondary lymphoid organs belonging to mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).

In This Section

1. How are the tonsils classified within the lymphatic system?

As secondary lymphoid organs belonging to mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).

2. What is the primary function of the tonsils?

To recognize inhaled and ingested antigens and initiate local immune responses.

3. What is Waldeyer's tonsillar ring?

A ring of lymphoid tissue surrounding the entrances to the nasopharynx and oropharynx.

4. Which four types of tonsils form Waldeyer's tonsillar ring?

The palatine, pharyngeal, tubal, and lingual tonsils.

5. Which tonsils are paired structures located on the lateral walls of the oropharynx?

The palatine tonsils.

6. Where is each palatine tonsil located?

In the tonsillar fossa between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches.

7. Which arch forms the anterior boundary of the palatine tonsillar fossa?

The palatoglossal arch.

8. Which arch forms the posterior boundary of the palatine tonsillar fossa?

The palatopharyngeal arch.

9. Which muscle lies immediately lateral to the palatine tonsil?

The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle, separated from the tonsil by its capsule and connective tissue.

10. What type of epithelium covers the palatine tonsils?

Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

11. What are tonsillar crypts?

Deep epithelial invaginations that increase the surface area available for antigen exposure.

12. Which tonsils contain numerous deep, branching crypts?

The palatine tonsils.

13. Which artery is the principal source of blood supply to the palatine tonsil?

The tonsillar branch of the facial artery.

14. Which additional arteries contribute to the blood supply of the palatine tonsil?

Branches of the ascending palatine, ascending pharyngeal, dorsal lingual, and greater palatine arteries.

15. Which vein is particularly important in bleeding during palatine tonsillectomy?

The paratonsillar vein, also called the external palatine vein.

16. Which cranial nerve provides the principal sensory innervation of the palatine tonsil?

The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).

17. Why can palatine tonsillitis cause referred ear pain?

Sensory fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve supply both the tonsillar region and the middle ear.

18. Which lymph nodes primarily receive lymphatic drainage from the palatine tonsils?

The upper deep cervical lymph nodes, especially the jugulodigastric nodes.

19. Where is the pharyngeal tonsil located?

In the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx.

20. What is the common name for an enlarged pharyngeal tonsil?

Adenoids.

21. What type of epithelium predominantly covers the pharyngeal tonsil?

Respiratory epithelium, typically pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.

22. How does the surface anatomy of the pharyngeal tonsil differ from that of the palatine tonsil?

The pharyngeal tonsil has mucosal folds rather than numerous deep, branching crypts.

23. Why can enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil cause nasal obstruction?

Its position in the nasopharynx allows enlarged tissue to narrow the posterior nasal airway.

24. Where are the tubal tonsils located?

Around the pharyngeal openings of the auditory tubes on the lateral walls of the nasopharynx.

25. How can enlarged lymphoid tissue near the tubal tonsils affect the middle ear?

It can obstruct the auditory tube, impair middle ear ventilation, and contribute to middle ear effusion.

26. Where are the lingual tonsils located?

On the posterior third of the dorsal surface of the tongue.

27. What is a characteristic histological feature of the lingual tonsils?

Multiple lymphoid nodules, typically with a crypt associated with each nodule and nearby mucous glands.

28. Which nerve provides general sensory innervation to the lingual tonsillar region?

The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).

29. What are the main cellular components of tonsillar lymphoid follicles?

B lymphocytes, with germinal centers appearing in follicles undergoing antigen-driven activation.

30. What is a peritonsillar abscess?

A collection of pus in the tissues adjacent to a palatine tonsil, usually between its capsule and the pharyngeal musculature.