Tubal tonsil

The tubal tonsil is a collection of lymphoid tissue located in the nasopharynx around the pharyngeal opening of the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube, particularly over and around the torus tubarius. It forms part of Waldeyers ring, which is a ring of lymphoid tissue that also includes the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids), palatine tonsils, and lingual tonsils.

Functional correlate

The tubal tonsil contributes to the immune defence of the upper respiratory tract by trapping and responding to inhaled or ingested pathogens. Enlargement of the tubal tonsil may narrow the opening of the pharyngotympanic tube, potentially impairing middle ear ventilation and predisposing to recurrent otitis media or Eustachian tube dysfunction, particularly in children.