### Description and Features: > [!multi-column] >> [!blank] >> - part of the [[mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue]] (MALT) >> - forms part of [[Waldeyer's ring]] >> - contains 15-20 tonsillar crypts each, whose lumens contain lymphocytes, bacteria, and desquamated epithelial cells and have ↑ surface area for sampling lymphoid tissue > >> [!blank] >> ![[palatine tonsils.png]] ### Location: > [!multi-column] >> [!blank] >> - found within the [[isthmus of fauces]] >> - posterior to the [[palatoglossal arch]] >> - anterior to the [[palatopharyngeal arch]] > >> [!blank] >> ![[anatomy of the oropharynx.png]] ### Function(s): - ### Innervation: - [[maxillary nerve]] - tonsillar branches of the [[09 - cranial nerve IX|glossopharyngeal nerve]] (CN IX) ### Blood Supply & Drainage: ###### Blood Supply: - [[ascending palatine artery]] - [[tonsillar artery]] - [[ascending pharyngeal artery]] - [[dorsal lingual artery]] - [[lesser palatine artery]] ###### Venous Drainage: - [[lingual vein]] - [[pharyngeal vein]] ### Lymphatic Drainage: - ### Clinical Significance: - common site of infection, as it is located at the entrance of the [[upper respiratory tract]] and the [[gastrointestinal tract]] - inflammation of the tonsils is known as [[tonsillitis]] ### Notes: -