Palatine tonsil | |
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![]() Mouth (oral cavity) | |
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Details | |
Precursor | Pharyngeal pouches |
System | Immune system (lymphatic system) |
Artery | Tonsillar branch of the facial artery |
Nerve | Tonsillary branches of lesser palatine nerves |
Identifiers | |
Latin | tonsilla palatina |
MeSH | D014066 |
TA98 | A05.2.01.011 |
TA2 | 2853, 5181 |
FMA | 9610 |
Anatomical terminology |
Palatine tonsils, commonly called the tonsils and occasionally called the faucial tonsils,[1] are tonsils located on the left and right sides at the back of the throat in humans and other mammals, which can often be seen as flesh-colored, pinkish lumps. Tonsils only present as "white lumps" if they are inflamed or infected with symptoms of exudates (pus drainage) and severe swelling.
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils and will often, but not necessarily, cause a sore throat and fever.[2] In chronic cases, tonsillectomy may be indicated.[3]