<P> The palatine tonsil is one of the mucosa - associated lymphoid tissues ( MALT ) , located at the entrance to the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts to protect the body from the entry of exogenous material through mucosal sites . In consequence it is a site of , and potential focus for , infections , and is one of the chief immunocompetent tissues in the oropharynx . It forms part of the Waldeyer 's ring , which comprises the adenoid , the paired tubal tonsils , the paired palatine tonsils and the lingual tonsils . From the pharyngeal side , they are covered with a stratified squamous epithelium , whereas a fibrous capsule links them to the wall of the pharynx . Through the capsule pass trabecules that contain small blood vessels , nerves and lymphatic vessels . These trabecules divide the tonsil into lobules . </P>
where are the palatine and lingual tonsils located
at the entrance to the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts