<P> Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils and will often, but not necessarily, cause a sore throat and fever . In chronic cases tonsillectomy may be indicated . </P> <P> The palatine tonsils are located in the isthmus of the fauces, between the palatoglossal arch and the palatopharyngeal arch of the soft palate . </P> <P> The palatine tonsil is one of the mucosa - associated lymphoid tissues (MALT), located at the entrance to the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts to protect the body from the entry of exogenous material through mucosal sites . In consequence it is a site of, and potential focus for, infections, and is one of the chief immunocompetent tissues in the oropharynx . It forms part of the Waldeyer's ring, which comprises the adenoid, the paired tubal tonsils, the paired palatine tonsils and the lingual tonsils . From the pharyngeal side, they are covered with a stratified squamous epithelium, whereas a fibrous capsule links them to the wall of the pharynx . Through the capsule pass trabecules that contain small blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels . These trabecules divide the tonsil into lobules . </P> <P> The nerves supplying the palatine tonsils come from the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve via the lesser palatine nerves, and from the tonsillar branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve . The glossopharyngeal nerve continues past the palatine tonsil and innervates the posterior 1 / 3 of the tongue to provide general and taste sensation . This nerve is most likely to be damaged during a tonsillectomy, which leads to reduced or lost general sensation and taste sensation to the posterior third of the tongue . </P>

Where are the palatine and lingual tonsils located