Where are the palatine and lingual tonsils located?

The palatine and lingual tonsils are located in the oropharynx, which is the middle section of the pharynx situated between the nasopharynx and the laryngopharynx. The palatine tonsils are the commonly recognized tonsils that can be seen when looking into the mouth; they are located on either side of the oropharynx. The lingual tonsils, on the other hand, are located at the base of the tongue, also within the oropharynx. This positioning plays a crucial role in the immune response, as these tonsils help to trap pathogens entering through the mouth and throat.

Other regions such as the nasopharynx primarily serve as a passageway for air, and the laryngopharynx serves as a pathway for food and air to respective systems but does not house these specific tonsils. The pharyngeal region is a more general term that does not pinpoint the exact location of the palatine and lingual tonsils within the oropharynx.