Waldeyer's tonsillar ring
Waldeyer's Tonsillar Ring
Waldeyer's Tonsillar Ring (pronounced: wahl-dye-er's ton-sill-ar ring) is a circular arrangement of lymphoid tissue in the pharynx. Named after the German anatomist Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Hartz, who first described it in the late 19th century.
Etymology
The term "Waldeyer's Tonsillar Ring" is named after Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Hartz, a German anatomist who made significant contributions to the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system. The term "tonsillar" refers to the tonsils, which are a key component of this structure, and "ring" describes the circular arrangement of this lymphoid tissue.
Anatomy
Waldeyer's Tonsillar Ring is a ring-like formation of lymphoid tissue located in the pharynx. It is composed of the palatine tonsils, the lingual tonsils, the pharyngeal tonsils (also known as adenoids), and the tubal tonsils. These structures work together to protect the body from pathogens that enter through the mouth or nose.
Function
The primary function of Waldeyer's Tonsillar Ring is to provide a first line of defense against inhaled or ingested pathogens. The lymphoid tissue in the tonsils and adenoids contains immune cells that can recognize and respond to these pathogens, helping to prevent infection.
Related Terms
- Lymphoid tissue: Tissue that produces white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are essential for immune responses.
- Pharynx: The part of the throat situated behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the esophagus and larynx.
- Tonsils: Small masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat.
- Adenoids: A mass of enlarged lymphatic tissue between the back of the nose and the throat, often hindering speaking and breathing in young children.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Waldeyer's tonsillar ring
- Wikipedia's article - Waldeyer's tonsillar ring
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