Waldeyer epithelium
Waldeyer epithelium is a collection of lymphoid tissue located in the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx. It consists of lymphoid follicles and includes the palatine, tubal, lingual and ventricular tonsils.
Waldeyer epithelium plays an important role in the immune defense of the upper respiratory tract. Lymphoid tissue of the epithelium contains a large number of B-lymphocytes responsible for humoral immunity. Also present in the epithelium are T lymphocytes, macrophages and other immune cells.
In inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and respiratory tract infections, an increase in the lymphoid tissue of the Waldeyer epithelium occurs and the formation of lymphoid follicles. This indicates activation of the immune response.
Thus, Waldeyer epithelium plays a key role in protecting the body from pathogens entering through the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity.