What is the palatine tonsil?
The palatine (or faucial) tonsils, commonly referred to as tonsils, are bundles of lymphatic tissue located in the lateral oropharynx. They sit in the isthmus of the fauces, bordered anteriorly by the palatoglossal arch and posteriorly by the palatopharyngeal arch.
What are tonsils?
The tonsils (palatine tonsils) are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx). Each tonsil is composed of tissue similar to lymph nodes, covered by pink mucosa (like on the adjacent mouth lining). Running through the mucosa of each tonsil are pits, called crypts.
What causes palatine tonsils to swell?
Bacteria and viruses are the main causes of swollen tonsils, but, in rare cases, swollen tonsils could be a symptom of cancer. Tonsil infections will usually go away after a few days, and OTC medications and home remedies can help ease some symptoms.
Why are tonsils removed?
There are two main reasons it may be time to undergo a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils): You have chronic sleep apnea or snoring that disrupts your sleep. You experience recurrent tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) caused by strep throat or other infections.
What does a tonsil look like?
The tonsils are the two oval-shaped masses of tissue on either side of the back of the throat. Normal tonsils are usually about the same size and have the same pink color as the surrounding area.
What causes tonsils?
Tonsillitis is most often caused by common viruses, but bacterial infections also can be the cause. The most common bacterium causing tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), the bacterium that causes strep throat. Other strains of strep and other bacteria also may cause tonsillitis.
How do you get rid of palatine tonsils?
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure during which a surgeon removes the palatine tonsils from the top of a person’s throat. For many years, doctors performed tonsillectomies as a treatment for chronic tonsillitis.
How many tonsils do we have?
Size and location. Technically, there are three sets of tonsils in the body: the pharyngeal tonsils, commonly known as adenoids, the palatine tonsils and the lingual tonsils, which are lymphatic tissue on the surface tissue of the base of the tongue, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
How does tonsils affect the body?
The main function of tonsils is to trap germs (bacteria and viruses) which you may breathe in. Proteins called antibodies produced by the immune cells in the tonsils help to kill germs and help to prevent throat and lung infections.
What causes tonsils in adults?