Tonsillitis

Abstract

Tonsillitis is a common condition characterised by the inflammation of lymphoid tissue within the pharynx, with associated inflammation of the rest of the pharynx (pharyngitis). The tonsils belong to Waldeyer’s ring, the ring of mucous-associated lymphoid tissue in the pharynx consisting of the palatine tonsils (known as the tonsils), tubal tonsils (posterior to the Eustachian tube), lingual tonsil (on the tongue base) and the pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids). Tonsillitis commonly refers to inflammation of the palatine tonsils, located laterally within the oropharynx. They lie within a capsule between the anterior arch and posterior arch, comprised of the muscles palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus respectively.