Palatine tonsil: Difference between revisions
m Seperated Tonsils and Tonsillitis into categories. |
m Err, seperated Tonsils from Tonsillitis this time, previous edit made "tonsillitis" bold again. |
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[[Image:Tonsils_diagram.jpg|right|Tonsils]] |
[[Image:Tonsils_diagram.jpg|right|Tonsils]] |
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== Tonsils == |
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The '''tonsils''' are areas of [[lymphoid tissue]] on either side of the [[throat]]. An [[infection]] of the tonsils is called '''Tonsillitis''' |
The '''tonsils''' are areas of [[lymphoid tissue]] on either side of the [[throat]]. An [[infection]] of the tonsils is called '''Tonsillitis''' |
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Tonsils in humans include (from superiorly to inferiorly); [[pharyngeal tonsil]]s, [[tubal tonsil]]s, [[palatine tonsil]]s and [[lingual tonsil]]s. Together this set of lymphatic tissue is called the Tonsillar Ring or Waldeyer's Ring. While tonsils tend to reach their largest size near [[puberty]] they will gradually atrophy thereafter. |
Tonsils in humans include (from superiorly to inferiorly); [[pharyngeal tonsil]]s, [[tubal tonsil]]s, [[palatine tonsil]]s and [[lingual tonsil]]s. Together this set of lymphatic tissue is called the Tonsillar Ring or Waldeyer's Ring. While tonsils tend to reach their largest size near [[puberty]] they will gradually atrophy thereafter. |
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==Tonsillitis == |
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Tonsillitis causes sore throat and [[fever]]. In chronic cases, or in acute cases where the palatine tonsils become so swollen that swallowing is impaired, a [[tonsillectomy]] can be performed to remove the tonsils. Patients whose tonsils have been removed are still protected from infection by the rest of their immune system. |
Tonsillitis causes sore throat and [[fever]]. In chronic cases, or in acute cases where the palatine tonsils become so swollen that swallowing is impaired, a [[tonsillectomy]] can be performed to remove the tonsils. Patients whose tonsils have been removed are still protected from infection by the rest of their immune system. |
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Revision as of 21:28, 30 December 2004
Tonsils
The tonsils are areas of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat. An infection of the tonsils is called Tonsillitis
As with other organs of the lymphatic system, the tonsils act as part of the immune system to help protect against infection. In particular, they are believed to be involved in helping fight off pharyngeal and respiratory tract infections.
Tonsils in humans include (from superiorly to inferiorly); pharyngeal tonsils, tubal tonsils, palatine tonsils and lingual tonsils. Together this set of lymphatic tissue is called the Tonsillar Ring or Waldeyer's Ring. While tonsils tend to reach their largest size near puberty they will gradually atrophy thereafter.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis causes sore throat and fever. In chronic cases, or in acute cases where the palatine tonsils become so swollen that swallowing is impaired, a tonsillectomy can be performed to remove the tonsils. Patients whose tonsils have been removed are still protected from infection by the rest of their immune system.
When bacteria that collect on the tonsils consume mucus that has pooled in pits in the tonsils a whitish-yellow deposit is produced. These deposits are known as tonsiloliths or "tonsil stones" and emit a very pungent odour due to the presence of volatile sulphur compounds.