Pharyngeal tonsil
Tonsilla pharyngea
- Latin synonym: Tonsilla pharyngealis
- Synonym: Adenoid
- Eponym: Tonsil of Luschka
Definition
The pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid; tonsil of Luschka), is a mass of lymphoid tissue located at the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.
It plays a crucial role in the immune system by sampling antigens passing through the nasal and oral cavities and initiating immune responses.
The pharyngeal tonsil is a part of Waldeyer's ring, which is a ring of lymphoid tissue that also includes the palatine tonsils, lingual tonsil, tubal tonsils, and lateral pharyngeal bands.
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