The tonsils are an important component of the immune system. They perform numerous tasks, but can also be limited in their function due to various diseases. Inflammation and enlargement of the palatine tonsils occur frequently, especially in children.
What are palatine tonsils?
Four different tonsils exist in the human organism, which are differentiated primarily with regard to their location. Thereby, the tonsils belong to the lymphatic tissue. Palatine tonsils occur on both sides in the back of the oral cavity. In contrast, humans have only one pharyngeal and lingual tonsil. At the same time, the palatine tonsils in particular are responsible for immune defense, which may make removing them more difficult than surgery on the pharyngeal tonsil. While the palatine tonsils are often not noticed in everyday life, they manifest themselves especially during illnesses. On the one hand, inflammations are often associated with pain, and on the other hand, they can be palpated externally in their swollen form, which is normally not possible. Inflammation caused by bacteria is particularly common in Germany in the area of the palatine tonsils.
Anatomy and structure
The various tonsils in the human body together constitute Waldeyer’s ring. While they are differentiated with respect to their location, no variations can be found in anatomy and structure. The palatine tonsils belong to the lymphatic tissue. They are separated from their surroundings by a connective tissue capsule. Multilayered squamous epithelium forms the surface of the palatine tonsils. Indentations, so-called crypts, provide for an enlargement of the surface. This is almost continuously covered with the indentations. If the surface were to be spread out, the result would be an area of 300 square centimeters. Certain immune defense cells produce lymphoid follicles, which can be found inside the palatine tonsil. Right next to the palatine tonsils there are glands. Their work relates to preventing fluids from entering and accumulating in the crypts. At the same time, the glands flush the palatine tonsils, helping them to function better.
Function and tasks
The palatine tonsils form part of the defense system in the human organism. Together with the other tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and thymus, they defend the body from unwanted pathogens such as bacteria that would otherwise cause disease. Only when the immune system fails in its fight against the pathogens do various clinical pictures and symptoms appear. The palatine tonsils play an important role in this process. As soon as viruses or bacteria enter the tonsils, the defense against the existing invaders begins. The pathway is via the lymph of the lymph nodes or through the blood. If the palatine tonsils now recognize a danger from pathogens, they resort to the so-called immune response. As part of this process, the B and T lymphocytes within the tonsils produce antibodies. The B and T lymphocytes are relatives of the white blood cells. They are capable of producing specific antibodies, which in turn act against pathogens. However, before the production of antibodies begins, the invaders must be recognized. Infected cells are killed in order to reconstruct health. In order for the system to be effective, it is important that the pathogens come into contact with a large area of the palatine tonsils. That is why the indentations of the surface prove to be helpful. Thus, the task of the palatine tonsils is to remove pathogens. Through the complex system of several tonsils, the ingested food and air can be checked. If there are bacteria or viruses in it, the work of the tonsils begins. Accordingly, pathogens are not always necessarily noticed by physical complaints. Because the work of the tonsils was underestimated for a long time, in the past even the preventive removal of the palatine tonsils occurred. In the meantime, these are removed under normal circumstances only if the person concerned is at least 6 years old. From this point on, no serious consequences could be found after the removal of the palatine tonsils.
Diseases
The most common disease affecting palatine tonsils is tonsillitis. Bacteria especially often invade the tonsils and cause discomfort.In many cases, these are group A streptococci. Much less frequently, pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae and staphylococci are to blame for the symptoms. Children and adolescents are more often affected by tonsillitis than adults. Often such inflammation is accompanied by sore throat and discomfort during swallowing. The palatine tonsils show a reddish discoloration, which is accompanied by white and purulent spots as it progresses. Often, the palatine tonsils also swell, allowing them to be palpated from the outside. In this case, confusion with swollen lymph nodes can be ruled out. Tonsillitis is not a serious threat, treatment with antibiotics, painkillers and rinses usually ensures that the infection subsides within a few days. However, a clear distinction must be drawn here from Epstein-Barr virus and mononucleosis. These diseases also have the potential to trigger inflammation in the area of the palatine tonsils. If food debris, dead cells, and bacteria get into the indentations, tonsil stones may form under certain circumstances. Tonsil stones are often perceived as unpleasant because, among other things, they can also be responsible for strong bad breath. To avoid them, the throat should be carefully rinsed with water using a mouthwash. Susceptible individuals should gargle some liquid regularly.
Typical and common diseases
- Angina tonsillaris
- Scarlet fever
- Pfeiffer’s glandular fever
- Diphtheria
- Chronic tonsillitis
