[Morphological characteristics of the function of the tonsil as an organ of immunogenesis]

The review deals with the problem of the necessity to evaluate the immunological state of palatine tonsils in various pathologic conditions on the basis of morphological studies. The methods of investigation allowing the intensity of cellular and humoral immunity to be assessed are described. It is emphasized that a combined approach including morphological examinations of the palatine tonsils together with immunological methods used clinically is optimal for the evaluation of the immunological state of palatine tonsils. Investigation of the immunomorphological condition of palatine tonsils is important both for the evaluation of changes in the tonsils themselves and for characterization of the entire system of immunogenesis organs.