Lingual tonsil
Tonsilla lingualis
Lymphatic & immuneLymphaticsHead
- What it is
- A collection of lymphoid nodules covering the back third of the tongue (behind the V-shaped sulcus terminalis), giving it a cobblestone surface. Each nodule has a single crypt.
- Function
- Forms the lower part of Waldeyer's ring of lymphoid tissue that guards the throat.
- Size
- Spread over about 3 x 2 cm; individual nodules 1-3 mm
- Clinical note
- It can enlarge and cause a sensation of a lump in the throat, or make intubation difficult; it is a rare site of carcinoma and lymphoma.