Light and scanning electron microscopic studies on the palatine tonsil of the goat

Abstract

The palatine tonsil studied in 15 young male goats showed stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium toward outer surface. Reticular epithelial arrangement toward crypts possessed only few layers and it was associated with the lymphoid tissue. The lymphoid tissue in the form of large ylumps and follicles, present in the propria sub mucosa was constituted by varying sized lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, blood-capillaries and high endothelial venules. PAS-positive glandular acini present in deeper part of the propria sub mucosa had extensive distribution of acidic mucopolysaccharides. Neutral and Sudanophilic lipids were mainly localized in the glandular tissue. Scanning electron microscopy presented a large papilla and small elevated areas, separated by linear depressions and folds which possessed microplicae of different shapes. Morphologic features of palatine tonsil, especially the lymphoid tissue suggest its role in providing immunity against infections of oropharyngeal passage.