The lingual tonsil is a collection of lymphoid nodules covering the back third of the tongue, behind the V-shaped sulcus terminalis. It gives the tongue base its bumpy, cobbled appearance and forms the lower part of the ring of lymphoid tissue guarding the throat.
| Location | Posterior third (pharyngeal part) of the dorsum of the tongue, behind the sulcus terminalis and in front of the epiglottis |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
|
| Nerve Supply | Glossopharyngeal nerve (sensory) |
| Blood Supply | Dorsal lingual arteries (from the lingual artery) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
Samples antigens from swallowed food and air at the entrance to the oropharynx and generates local immune responses.
Lingual tonsil enlargement can cause a lump-in-the-throat sensation, snoring or sleep apnoea, and it may make intubation difficult because it crowds the space above the epiglottis. It can still enlarge after palatine tonsillectomy. Cancers of the tongue base, often HPV-related, arise in this area and may first show up as a neck node.
Enlargement of the tongue-base lymphoid tissue causing throat discomfort, obstructive sleep apnoea or difficult airway management.
Infection of the lingual tonsil, causing pain at the tongue base and painful swallowing.
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