Morphology, Anatomical Relations, and Blood Supply of the Palatine Tonsil

Structural Composition of the Soft Palate

The palatine tonsil is a vital component of the lymphatic system, positioned within the tonsillar fossa on the lateral wall of the oropharynx. This paired structure plays a significant role in immune response and pathogen filtration.

Anatomical Relations

The palatine tonsil is bordered by the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches. The superior, medial, and lateral relations include structures such as the soft palate, superior constrictor muscle, and nearby neurovascular bundles.

Blood Supply

The vascularization of the palatine tonsil primarily stems from the branches of the external carotid artery:

• Ascending palatine artery (branch of the facial artery)
• Descending palatine artery (branch of the maxillary artery)
• Dorsal lingual artery (branch of the lingual artery)
• Tonsillar artery (direct branch of the facial artery)
• Ascending pharyngeal artery

Venous drainage follows the peritonsillar venous plexus, leading to the internal jugular vein.