Palatine Tonsils

Overview

The palatine (or faucial) tonsils are bundles of muscoa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) located bilaterally in the tonsillar bed of the lateral oropharynx, in the isthums of the fauces between the palatoglossal arch and the palatopharyngeal arch of the soft palate. It forms part of a ringed arragnment of lymphatic tissue known as Waldeyer’s ring. It functions in the immune system, containing T cells, B cels and macrophages to combat infection.

Borders

• Anteriorly: palatoglossal arch
• Posteriorly: palatopharyngeal arch

Blood Supply

The arterial supply to the tonsil is via the tonsillar branch of the facial artery. It pierces the superior constrictor muscle to reach the palatine tonsil.

Venous Drainage

The venous drainage is via the external palatine vein (drains into the facial vein), and numerous smaller vessels which drain into the pharyngeal plexus.

Innervation

• Maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve, via the lesser palatine nerves
• Tonsillar branches of glossopharyngeal nerve – continues past the palatine tonsil to innervate the posterior third of the tongue (general and taste sensation)

Lymphatic Drainage

The palatine tonsils drain into the jugulodigastric and upper deep cervical lymph nodes.