Palatine tonsil

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Palatine Tonsil

The Palatine Tonsil (pronounced: păl′ə-tīn tŏn′səl), also known as the faucial tonsil or simply the tonsil, is a part of the lymphatic system that plays a crucial role in the body's immune response.

Etymology

The term "Palatine" originates from the Latin word "palatum" meaning "roof of the mouth", and "tonsil" is derived from the Latin "tonsilla", meaning "almond", due to its almond-like shape.

Function

The Palatine Tonsils are located in the oropharynx, at the back of the throat. They are part of the Waldeyer's ring, a ring of lymphoid tissue in the throat. The tonsils act as a first line of defense, trapping and filtering out bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose.

Related Terms

  • Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
  • Tonsillectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.
  • Adenoids: Lymphatic tissue similar to the tonsils, located in the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
  • Pharynx: The part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, above the esophagus and larynx – the tubes going down to the stomach and the lungs.

See Also

External links

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