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Lingual Tonsil
This section through a lingual tonsil reveals a collection of the structural and functional units that compose these organs - lymphoid nodules (A). These structures aggregate around a pit or primary crypt (B) that opens onto the free surface of the mucosa. Typically the surface would be lined by non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium that continues down into the crypts. Mucous glands (C) secrete into the bottom of the crypts. The secretions "flush" the crypts of debris to prevent stagnation and the development of infection. The posterior aspect of the tonsil is surrounded by a connective tissue capsule (D).
Legend
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A - lymphoid nodules |
C - mucous gland |
