NASAL TONSIL Meaning and
Definition
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The nasal tonsil, also known as adenoids or pharyngeal tonsils, is a small mass of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity, near the opening of the Eustachian tubes. It is a part of the immune system and forms a part of the Waldeyer's ring, a circle of lymphoid tissue in the throat that includes the palatine tonsils and lingual tonsil.
The nasal tonsil is composed of specialized immune cells, primarily lymphocytes, that help protect the body from pathogens and foreign substances. It plays a crucial role in the immune response by trapping and filtering out harmful bacteria and viruses that are inhaled through the nose. This function is particularly important during childhood when the immune system is still developing and more vulnerable to infections.
In some cases, the nasal tonsil can become enlarged, causing various symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, snoring, and recurrent ear infections. This condition, known as adenoid hypertrophy, is common in children and may require medical intervention, including surgical removal of the adenoids (adenoidectomy).
Overall, the nasal tonsil is an important component of the body's defense system, contributing to the protection of the respiratory and auditory systems by preventing the entry of harmful microorganisms and assisting in the development of immunity.
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Tubercle of Morgagni or of Zuckerkandl, a fusiform collection of lymphoid tissue on the nasal septum opposite the anterior extremity of the middle turbinated body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NASAL TONSIL
- basal tonsil
- masal tonsil
- jasal tonsil
- hasal tonsil
- nzsal tonsil
- nssal tonsil
- nwsal tonsil
- nqsal tonsil
- naaal tonsil
- nazal tonsil
- naxal tonsil
- nadal tonsil
- naeal tonsil
- nawal tonsil
- naszl tonsil
- nassl tonsil
- naswl tonsil
- nasql tonsil
- nasak tonsil
- nasap tonsil
Etymology of NASAL TONSIL
The word "nasal" derives from the Latin word "nasus", which means "nose". The term "tonsil" comes from the Latin word "tonsilla", which refers to a "small mass". When combined, "nasal tonsil" specifically refers to the tonsils located in the nasal cavity.
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