PHARYNGEAL TONSIL Meaning and
Definition
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The pharyngeal tonsil, also known as the adenoid, is a mass of lymphoid tissue located in the back of the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat that lies behind the nose. It is categorized as one of the three types of tonsils present in the human body, alongside the palatine tonsils on the sides of the oral cavity and the lingual tonsils located at the base of the tongue.
The pharyngeal tonsil consists of clusters of lymphocytes and other immune cells, and its primary function is to protect the body against invading pathogens, particularly those that are inhaled or ingested. It plays a vital role in the immune system's defense mechanism, acting as a filter against airborne or oral bacteria and viruses.
During childhood, the pharyngeal tonsil typically exhibits its largest size and tends to shrink with age, often becoming nearly nonexistent in adulthood. However, in certain cases, such as chronic infections or allergies, the pharyngeal tonsil may become enlarged, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, recurrent infections, snoring, or sleep apnea.
In summary, the pharyngeal tonsil refers to a lymphoid tissue located in the back of the nasopharynx that functions as part of the body's immune system.
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Luschka's t., tonsilla pharyngea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHARYNGEAL TONSIL
- oharyngeal tonsil
- lharyngeal tonsil
- -haryngeal tonsil
- 0haryngeal tonsil
- pgaryngeal tonsil
- pbaryngeal tonsil
- pnaryngeal tonsil
- pjaryngeal tonsil
- puaryngeal tonsil
- pyaryngeal tonsil
- phzryngeal tonsil
- phsryngeal tonsil
- phwryngeal tonsil
- phqryngeal tonsil
- phaeyngeal tonsil
- phadyngeal tonsil
- phafyngeal tonsil
- phatyngeal tonsil
- pha5yngeal tonsil
Etymology of PHARYNGEAL TONSIL
The word "pharyngeal" is derived from the Greek word "pharynx", meaning throat. And the word "tonsil" originates from the Latin word "tonsilla", which refers to a mass of flesh, particularly pertaining to the throat. Combining both words, "pharyngeal tonsil" is the term used to describe the collection of lymphatic tissue located in the pharynx, specifically in the back of the throat.
Similar spelling words for PHARYNGEAL TONSIL
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