The tubal tonsil, also known as Gerlach tonsil, is one of the four main

tonsil The tonsils are a set of lymphoid organs facing into the aerodigestive tract, which is known as Waldeyer's tonsillar ring and consists of the adenoid tonsil, two tubal tonsils, two palatine tonsils, and the lingual tonsils. These organs play ...

groups forming

Waldeyer's tonsillar ring Waldeyer's tonsillar ring (pharyngeal lymphoid ring, Waldeyer's lymphatic ring, or tonsillar ring) is a ringed arrangement of lymphoid organs in the pharynx. Waldeyer's ring surrounds the naso- and oropharynx, with some of its tonsillar tissue l ...

Structure

Each tubal tonsil is located posterior to the opening of the Eustachian tube on the lateral wall of the

nasopharynx The pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the oesophagus and trachea (the tubes going down to the stomach and the lungs). It is found in vertebrates and invertebrates, though its struct ...

. It is one of the four main tonsil groups forming

. This ring also includes the

palatine tonsil Palatine tonsils, commonly called the tonsils and occasionally called the faucial tonsils, are tonsils located on the left and right sides at the back of the throat, which can often be seen as flesh-colored, pinkish lumps. Tonsils only present a ...

s, the

lingual tonsils The lingual tonsils are a collection of lymphatic tissue located in the lamina propria of the root of the tongue. This lymphatic tissue consists of the lymphatic nodules rich in cells of the immune system (immunocytes). The immunocytes initiate th ...

, and the

adenoid In anatomy, the adenoid, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil or nasopharyngeal tonsil, is the superior-most of the tonsils. It is a mass of lymphatic tissue located behind the nasal cavity, in the roof of the nasopharynx, where the nose blends ...

Clinical significance

The tubal tonsil may be affected by

tonsillitis Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils in the upper part of the throat. It can be acute or chronic. Acute tonsillitis typically has a rapid onset. Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, enlargement of the tonsils, trouble swallowing, and en ...

. However, this usually affects only the palatine tonsils.

History

The tubal tonsil may also be known as the Gerlach tonsil. It is very close to the

torus tubarius The base of the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube (auditory tube) lies directly under the mucous membrane of the nasal part of the pharynx, where it forms an elevation or cushion, the torus tubarius or torus of the auditory tube, behind ...

, which is why this tonsil is sometimes also called the ''tonsil of (the) torus tubarius''.English Arabic Dictionary of Medical terms,"tonsil of torus tubarius = tubal tonsi

Almaany.com,2010-2014. Equating the torus with its tonsil however might be seen as incorrect or imprecise.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tubal Tonsil Lymphatics of the head and neck Tonsil