tonsil (redirected from tonsil of cerebellum)

tonsil

Small mass of lymphoid tissue in the wall of the pharynx. The term usually refers to the palatine tonsils on each side of the oropharynx. They are thought to produce antibodies to help prevent respiratory and digestive tract infection but often become infected themselves (see tonsillitis), mostly in children. There are also pharyngeal tonsils, better known as adenoids, and lingual tonsils, at the base of the tongue. The last have more effective drainage than the others and are rarely infected.

---

tonsil

1. either of two small masses of lymphatic tissue situated one on each side of the back of the mouth

2. Anatomy any small rounded mass of tissue, esp lymphatic tissue

---

tonsil [′tän·səl]

(anatomy)

Localized aggregation of diffuse and nodular lymphoid tissue found in the throat where the nasal and oral cavities open into the pharynx.

palatine tonsil

---

Tonsil

Localized aggregation of diffuse and nodular lymphoid tissue found in the region where the nasal and oral cavities open into the pharynx. The tonsils are important sources of blood lymphocytes. They often become inflamed and enlarged, necessitating surgical removal.

The two palatine (faucial) tonsils are almond-shaped bodies measuring 1 by 0.5 in. (2.5 by 1.2 cm) and are embedded between folds of tissue connecting the pharynx and posterior part of the tongue with the soft palate. These are the structures commonly known as the tonsils. The lingual tonsil occupies the posterior part of the tongue surface. It is really a collection of 35–100 separate tonsillar units, each having a single crypt surrounded by lymphoid tissue. Each tonsil forms a smooth swelling about 0.08– 0.16 in. (2–4 mm) in diameter. The pharyngeal tonsil (called adenoids when enlarged) occupies the roof of the nasal part of the pharynx. This tonsil may enlarge to block the nasal passage, forcing mouth breathing. See Lymphatic system