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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils
08:09

Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils

Published on: November 16, 2015

Formation of the tonsillar corpuscle

M E Perry1, J Slípka

  • 1Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, UMDS, Guy's Hospital, University of London, U.K.

Functional and Developmental Morphology
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Human palatine tonsils contain structures resembling thymic Hassall's corpuscles. These form from degenerating epithelial cells within microcrypts during immune responses, similar to thymus development.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Histology
  • Human Anatomy

Background:

  • The human palatine tonsil contains unique epithelial structures.
  • These structures bear resemblance to thymic Hassall's corpuscles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origin and nature of tonsillar epithelial structures.
  • To compare these structures with thymic Hassall's corpuscles.

Main Methods:

  • Histological examination of human palatine tonsil tissue.
  • Analysis of epithelial cell morphology and arrangement.

Main Results:

  • Identified epithelial structures near tonsillar crypts.
  • These structures exhibit features similar to Hassall's corpuscles.
  • Proposed formation mechanism involves microcrypt occlusion and epithelial cell degeneration.

Conclusions:

  • Tonsillar corpuscles arise from degenerating epithelial cells within occluded microcrypts during antigenic stimulation.
  • Structural similarities to Hassall's corpuscles are attributed to shared endodermal origin and lymphoepithelial organ properties.

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