Palatine almond

Almonds are an important part of the immune system. They take on numerous tasks, but their function can also be restricted by various diseases. In children in particular, inflammation and enlargement of the Palatine tonsils on.

What are tonsils?

There are four different almonds in the human organism, which differ primarily in terms of their location. The tonsils belong to the lymphatic tissue. Palatine tonsils occur on both sides in the back of the oral cavity. In contrast, humans only have a pharynx and tongue tonsil. At the same time, the tonsils in particular are responsible for the immune system, which can make removing them more difficult than surgery on the pharynx.

While the tonsils are often not noticed in everyday life, they express themselves especially during illnesses. On the one hand, inflammations are often associated with pain, and on the other hand they can be felt in their swollen form from the outside, which is normally not possible. In Germany, inflammation caused by bacteria occurs particularly frequently in the area of ​​the tonsils.

Anatomy & structure

The different tonsils in the human body together represent the Waldeyer's ring. While they differ in terms of their location, no deviations can be found in anatomy and structure. The tonsils belong to the lymphatic tissue. It is separated from its surroundings by a connective tissue capsule. Multi-layered squamous epithelium form the surface of the tonsils. Indentations, so-called crypts, increase the surface area. This is almost completely covered with indentations.

If the surface were spread out, the area would be 300 square centimeters. Certain immune defense cells produce lymph follicles, which can be found inside the tonsils. There are glands right next to the tonsils. Your work is related to preventing liquids from entering the crypts. At the same time, the glands flush the tonsils through and thus contribute to a better function.

Function & tasks

The tonsils form part of the defense system in the human organism. Together with the other tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and thymus, they defend the body from unwanted pathogens such as bacteria that would otherwise cause disease. Only when the immune system fails to fight the pathogens do different clinical pictures and symptoms appear. The palatine tonsils play an important role in this. As soon as viruses or bacteria get into the tonsils, the defense against the existing invaders begins. The route takes place via the lymph of the lymph nodes or through the blood. If the tonsils now recognize a danger from pathogens, they resort to the so-called immune response.

As part of this process, the B and T lymphocytes within the tonsils produce antibodies. The B and T lymphocytes are relatives of the white blood cells. These are able to produce specific antibodies, which in turn act against the pathogens. However, before the production of antibodies begins, the intruders must be identified. Infected cells are killed to rebuild health. So that the system does not fail to work, it is important that the pathogens come into contact with a large area of ​​the tonsils. This is why the indentations in the surface are helpful.

It is the task of the tonsils to remove pathogens. The ingested food and air can be checked through the complex system of several tonsils. If there are bacteria or viruses in it, the tonsils start working. Accordingly, pathogens are not always necessarily noticed through physical complaints. Because the work of the tonsils was underestimated for a long time, preventive removal of the tonsils used to be done. Now, under normal circumstances, these are only removed if the person concerned is at least 6 years old. From this point on, no serious consequences could be determined after removing the tonsils.

Diseases

The most common disease that affects the tonsils is tonsillitis. Bacteria often invade the tonsils and cause discomfort. In many cases, these are group A streptococci. Pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae and staphylococci are much less likely to cause the symptoms. Children and adolescents are more often affected by tonsillitis than adults. Often such inflammation is accompanied by a sore throat and discomfort during the swallowing process. The palatine tonsils show a reddish discoloration, which is accompanied by white and purulent points in the further course. Often the tonsils also swell, which means that they can be felt from the outside.

Confusion with swollen lymph nodes must be ruled out. Tonsillitis are not a serious threat; treatment with antibiotics, pain relievers and douching usually ensures that the infection subsides within a few days. Here, however, a clear differentiation must be made to the Epstein-Barr virus and Pfeiffer's glandular fever. These diseases also have the potential to cause inflammation in the area of ​​the tonsils. If food residues, dead cells and bacteria get into the indentations, tonsil stones may develop. Tonsil stones are often perceived as uncomfortable because, among other things, they can also be to blame for strong bad breath. To avoid this, the throat should be carefully rinsed out with water using an oral irrigator. Susceptible people should gargle some fluids regularly.

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Typical & common diseases

• Tonsillar angina
• Scarlet fever
• Glandular Pfeiffer fever
• diphtheria
• Chronic tonsillitis