â¬ Results of Cervical Cytology The 2001 Bethesda System: Terminology for Reporting Correction Contact me if this article is corrected. CitationsContact me when this article is cited. This article has been cited 529 times.the same issueRelated Articles published inJAMA. 2002;287(16):2153.
U.S. National Library of Medicine(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Palatine Tonsil. A round-to-oval mass of lymphoid tissue embedded in the lateral wall of the PHARYNX. There is one on each side of the oropharynx in the fauces between the anterior and posterior pillars of the SOFT PALATE.
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.The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which helps to fight infections. However, removal of the tonsils does not seem to increase susceptibility to infection. Tonsils vary widely in size and swell in response to infection.unning through the mucosa of each tonsil are pits, called crypts. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which helps to fight infections. However, removal of the tonsils does not seem to increase susceptibility to infection.