The Microscopic Anatomy of the Nasopharyngeal Tonsil by Light and Electron Microscopy
- 1 January 1972
- journal article
- Published by S. Karger AG in ORL
- Vol. 34 (4) , 195-209
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000275051
Abstract
Light and electron microscopical observations of adenoids are described. A marked feature was the presence of extensive folding of the reticulum cells in sub-epithelial areas and germinal centres. This was taken to indicate processing of antigen, possibly virus, derived by passage through the epithelial surface. Antibody formation is probably carried out in a sub-epithelial position by plasma cells which are mainly located in that situation and which are in close contact with the reticulum cells with infolded membranes on the one hand and epithelial cells on the other. The latter relationship is associated with the production of ‘secretory IgA’ in this area. The structural features of adenoids are contrasted with lymph nodes and spleen in the light of their immunological function.Keywords
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