Pharyngeal tonsil
Pharyngeal Tonsil
The Pharyngeal Tonsil (pronounced: fuh-RIN-jee-uhl TON-sil), also known as the adenoids, is a mass of lymphatic tissue located at the very back of the nasal cavity, in the roof of the nasopharynx, where the nose blends into the mouth.
Etymology
The term "Pharyngeal" is derived from the Greek word "pharynx" which means "throat", and "tonsil" is derived from the Latin word "tonsilla". The term "adenoid" is derived from the Greek word "aden" meaning "gland" and "-oid" meaning "resembling".
Function
The primary function of the pharyngeal tonsil is to produce white blood cells and antibodies as part of the immune system. It plays a crucial role in the body's first line of defense and contributes to the immune response against pathogens.
Related Terms
- Tonsil: General term for the clusters of lymphoid tissue in the throat.
- Nasopharynx: The upper part of the throat that lies behind the nose.
- Lymphatic System: The network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
See Also
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, typically of rapid onset.
- Adenoidectomy: Surgical removal of the adenoids for reasons which may include impaired breathing through the nose, chronic infections, or recurrent earaches.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pharyngeal tonsil
- Wikipedia's article - Pharyngeal tonsil
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