lingual tonsils lingual tonsils the lingual tonsils are a collection of lymphatic tissue located in the lamina propria of the root of the tongue. this lymphatic tissue consists of the lymphatic nodules rich in cells of the immune system (immunocytes). the immunocytes initiate the immune response when the lingual tonsils get in contact with invading microorganisms (pathogenic bacteria, viruses or parasites). lingual tonsilstonguedetailssystemimmune system (lymphatic system)identifierslatintonsilla lingualista98a05.1.04.022ta22830fma54836anatomical terminology structure microanatomy lingual tonsils are covered externally by stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium that invaginates inward forming crypts. beneath the epithelium is a layer of lymphoid nodules containing lymphocytes. mucous glands located at the root of tongue are drained through several ducts into the crypt of lingual tonsils. secretions of these mucous glands keep the crypt clean and free of any debris. blood supply lingual tonsils are located on posterior aspect of tongue which is supplied through: lingual artery, branch of external carotid artery tonsillar branch of facial artery ascending and descending palatine arteries ascending pharyngeal branch of external carotid artery nerve supply lingual tonsils are innervated by tonsillar nerves from the tonsilar plexus, formed by the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. function tonsils and the throat–lingual tonsils labelled like other lymphatic tissues, the function of lingual tonsils is to prevent infections. these tonsils contain b and t lymphocytes which get activated when harmful bacteria and viruses come in contact with tonsils. b lymphocytes kill pathogens by producing antibodies against them, while t lymphocytes directly kill them by engulfing them or indirectly by stimulating other cells of the immune system. clinical significance cancer squamous cell carcinoma is a type of neoplasm that can affect lingual tonsils. sleep apnea enlarged or hypertrophic lingual tonsils have the potential to cause or exacerbate sleep apnea. additional images lingual tonsil lingual tonsil lingual tonsils this article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1138 of the 20th edition of gray's anatomy (1918)