Tonsillogenic Processes in the Light of Present-Day Knowledge of the Tonsillar Nervous Apparatus Morphology and Function

Abstract

As apparent from recent neurohistological investigations, the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring comprises an intricate nervous apparatus which contains different elements of afferent and efferent innervations. During the foetal and postnatal periods the nervous apparatus of the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring undergoes a certain reconstruction. In chronical tonsillitis the nervous apparatus of tonsils exhibits a series of structural changes, mostly of reversible character. The intricate structure of the nervous apparatus in the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring, its age properties and definite changes with pathological processes must be taken into account when considering clinical data.

Polymorphism of tonsillar receptors yields evidence in favor of variety in their receptor functions and neuroreflex connections with different organs, including the heart, whose close neuroreflex interconnections with the tonsils have been revealed in clinico-experimental observations (tonsillo-cardiac reflex). Reconstruction of nerve elements in the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring during man's life as well as their involvement in pathological processes have a certain influence on the age properties of the tonsillar receptor function enabling the tonsils to exert a neurotrophical effect, pervert pathological discharges. The last-mentioned facts not only impair the barrier function of pathologically changed tonsils but contribute to the development of diseases, which tonsillar origin is attributed to.