Lingual Tonsil Anatomy

What is the histological structure of the lingual tonsil?

It is covered by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium with germinal centers and lymphatic tissue between them. (correct)
It is covered by stratified squamous keratinized epithelium with germinal centers and lymphatic tissue between them.
It is covered by simple columnar epithelium with germinal centers and lymphatic tissue between them.
It is covered by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with germinal centers and lymphatic tissue between them.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the attachment (junctional) epithelium?

Its length varies from 1-3 mm, extending from the bottom of the gingival sulcus towards the CEJ or below it.
It is formed of 3-4 layers of cells, which increase with age to 1-2 layers apically.
The basal cell layer is formed of columnar cells with their long axes perpendicular to the tooth surface and resting on a smooth basement membrane. (correct)
It is formed of stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium.

What is the function of the lingual tonsil?

The lingual tonsil is part of the digestive system and helps in the breakdown of food.
The lingual tonsil is part of the lymphatic system and helps in the immune response. (correct)
The lingual tonsil is part of the respiratory system and helps in the filtration of air.
The lingual tonsil is part of the endocrine system and helps in the regulation of hormones.

What happens if the basement membrane of the attachment (junctional) epithelium becomes irregular?

It indicates the presence of inflammation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main structural difference between the basal layer and the layers above it in the attachment (junctional) epithelium?

The basal layer is formed of cuboidal cells with their long axes perpendicular to the tooth surface, while the layers above are formed of flat cells with wide intercellular spaces and few desmosomes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the ducts from the underlying Weber mucous salivary glands that open into the lingual crypts?

To secrete mucus into the lingual crypts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the lingual tonsil being part of the lymphatic ring between the mouth, nose, and pharynx?

It helps in the immune response against pathogens entering the body through the mouth and nose. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main structural difference between the attachment (junctional) epithelium and the gingival epithelium?

The attachment epithelium is formed of stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium, while the gingival epithelium is formed of stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the varying length of the attachment (junctional) epithelium?

It allows for the attachment of the tooth to the gingiva to be adjustable. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium covers the lingual follicles in the lingual tonsil?

Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the spaces filled with between the germinal centers in the lymphatic tissues of the lingual tonsil?

Interstitium (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural composition of the attachment (junctional) epithelium at the dento-gingival junction?

Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of inflammation if the basement membrane of the attachment (junctional) epithelium becomes irregular?

Attachment loss (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which salivary glands have ducts opening into the bottom of the lingual crypts?

Minor salivary glands (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the length range of the attachment (junctional) epithelium from the bottom of the gingival sulcus towards CEJ or below it?

$2-4$ mm (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which layer in the attachment (junctional) epithelium is formed by flat cells with wide intercellular spaces and few desmosomes?

$2^{nd}$ layer (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does an increase in age lead to in terms of layers and cell types in the attachment (junctional) epithelium?

Increase in layers, increase in cell size (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is formed if an irregular basement membrane is present in the attachment epithelium?

Inflammation (B) Signup and view all the answers