Lingual tonsil - Nasal cavity - Nasal cavity - e-Anatomy
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Lingual tonsil

Tonsilla lingualis

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The lingual tonsil is a collection of lymphoid tissue located in the mucosa of the posterior one-third (root) of the tongue posterior to the sulcus terminalis. It consists of numerous lymphoid nodules covered by stratified squamous epithelium and forms part of Waldeyers ring, which also includes the palatine, pharyngeal, and tubal tonsils. The surface of the lingual tonsil contains shallow crypts into which mucous glands open, helping to flush debris from the tonsillar tissue.

Innervation and vasculature

The lingual tonsil receives sensory innervation mainly from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and has a rich blood supply from branches of the lingual artery.

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References

  • Dotiwala AK, Samra NS. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Tongue. [Updated 2023 Aug 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507782/

  • Standring, S. (2015) Grays Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. London: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Chapter 31, Oral cavity.

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