The palatine tonsils are part of Waldeyer's ring surrounding the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal inlets to the aerodigestive tract, sampling antigens from inhaled air, foods/drinks, and the microbiota.
The palatine tonsils are part of Waldeyer's ring surrounding the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal inlets to the aerodigestive tract. The tonsils are an immunologic monitoring point, sampling antigens from inspired air, foods/drinks, and the microbiota.