PALATINE TONSIL Meaning and
Definition
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The palatine tonsils, commonly referred to as just tonsils, are a pair of oval-shaped lymphoid organs located at the back of the throat on each side of the oral cavity. They are part of the body's immune system and play a crucial role in protecting against infections.
These tonsils are covered by a lining of pinkish-colored tissue and are visible when looking into the mouth. The palatine tonsils contain numerous tiny pockets, known as crypts, and are made up of lymphoid tissue. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are present in abundant numbers within the tonsils.
Their primary function is to help filter out bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances that enter through the mouth and nose. The palatine tonsils trap these microorganisms and then activate the immune response, producing antibodies to fight against them.
However, the palatine tonsils can themselves become infected, resulting in a condition known as tonsillitis. Symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, pain or difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils, and fever. In some cases, recurrent or severe tonsillitis may warrant their removal in a procedure called a tonsillectomy.
Given their important role in the immune system, the palatine tonsils are vital to maintain overall health and well-being.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PALATINE TONSIL
- oalatine tonsil
- lalatine tonsil
- -alatine tonsil
- 0alatine tonsil
- pzlatine tonsil
- pslatine tonsil
- pwlatine tonsil
- pqlatine tonsil
- pakatine tonsil
- papatine tonsil
- paoatine tonsil
- palztine tonsil
- palstine tonsil
- palwtine tonsil
- palqtine tonsil
- palarine tonsil
- palafine tonsil
- palagine tonsil
- palayine tonsil
Etymology of PALATINE TONSIL
The word "palatine" comes from the Latin word "palatum" which means "palate" or "roof of the mouth". The term "palatine" is used to refer to structures or regions associated with the palate. The term "tonsil" comes from the Latin word "tonsilla" which means "a rounded lump". In relation to anatomy, tonsils are rounded masses of lymphatic tissue located in the throat. Therefore, "palatine tonsil" specifically refers to the tonsils located in the back of the throat on each side of the palate.
Similar spelling words for PALATINE TONSIL
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