Lingual tonsils
The lingual tonsils are aggregations of lymphoid follicles that mediate B- and T-cell lymphocytes, which serve a role in formulating the immune system. They are covered by stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium and contain deep crypts and mucosal glands. They form a part of the Waldeyer ring of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) of the oropharynx.
Location
- posterior third of the dorsum of the tongue
Blood supply
- lingual artery: a branch of the external carotid artery
- tonsillar branch of the facial artery
- ascending pharyngeal branch of the external carotid artery
Innervation
- tonsillar branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Related Pathology
- squamous cell carcinoma of the lingual tonsil
- obstructive sleep apnea exacerbation
- tonsillitis
- peritonsillar abscess
- intratonsillar abscess
See also
- palatine tonsil
- pharyngeal tonsil
