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Lingual tonsil
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:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lingual-tonsil-3/Bo7NY8Fdb3ZPGgYg7E539Q_lingual_tonsil.png "Lingual tonsil (Tonsilla lingualis); Image: National Library of Medicine"){kind=logo}
The lingual tonsil is found at the posterior one-third of the tongue posterior to the terminal sulcus.
It is a cluster of lymphatic tissue found in the lamina propria. The posterior one-third of the tongue has no lingual papillae. Instead, it has an irregular cobblestone appearance. This is due to the lymphoid nodules that collectively make up the lingual tonsil.
The lingual tonsil is covered by stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium that invaginates inward to form crypts. It forms the anteroinferior part of the pharyngeal lymphoid ring (Waldeyer's ring) of the oropharynx.
The blood supply to the lingual tonsils arises from the lingual artery. Venous drainage is via the dorsal lingual branch of the lingual vein. The nerve supply is from the tonsillar branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CNIX). The jugulodigastric and deep cervical nodes drain the lingual tonsils.
| Terminology | English: lingual tonsil Latin: tonsilla lingualis |
| Location | Located at the base of the posterior ⅓ of the tongue |
| Function | Provide immunological protection |
Learn more about the lingual tonsil in this study unit and article:
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