Palatine tonsils

Function

The palatine tonsils are paired lymphoid gatekeepers in the oropharynx's lateral walls — the tonsillar fossa between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches. Together with adenoids and lingual tonsils they form Waldeyer's ring, sampling every swallowed and inhaled antigen.

Their crypts trap pathogens for immune presentation, but also debris — the cradle of tonsil stones and recurrent infection when immunity is young and inexperienced.

Blood supply

Tonsillar artery (facial artery's branch); ascending palatine and descending palatine contributions.

Nerve supply

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) — referred ear pain is its signature — with lesser palatine nerve branches.

Clinical relevance

Tonsillitis

Viral or streptococcal infection swells the crypts — fever, odynophagia and exudates; quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) threatens the airway.

Obstructive sleep apnoea

Massive paediatric tonsils choke the night airway — the commonest indication for tonsillectomy today.

Related conditions

• Tonsillitis and sore throat
• Obstructive sleep apnoea