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Palatine Tonsil
The palatine tonsil also possesses numerous primary crypts (A) surrounded by lymphoid nodules (B). The massive numbers of lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells often obscure the surface epithelium (C) making it difficult to recognize. The palatine tonsils differ from the lingual tonsils in that secondary crypts (D) may arise as branches from the primary invaginations. In addition, no mucous glands secrete into the crypts which tend to fill with debris and defense cells (lymphocytes, macrophages, and PML's). These tonsils are frequent sites of infection but are now less frequently surgically removed.
Legend
|
A - primary crypt |
C - surface epithelium (stratified
squamous) |
